New training to strengthen neighbourhood policing and cut crime

Local neighbourhoods will benefit from better led local policing after the College of Policing launched new training for sergeants and inspectors at the heart of frontline policing.

The training is being released during Neighbourhood Policing Week (15-21 June), when officers and staff who deal with the issues which matter most to local people are annually recognised.

Following successful trials in eleven police forces, participants in the training were found to have more confidence in their roles and felt local teams would be more effective due to the training. The clearest improvement was among officers who felt the training helped identify where neighbourhood policing was making a difference.

Neighbourhood policing is demanding work, involving tackling persistent anti-social behaviour and supporting vulnerable people, alongside building strong relationships with residents and local organisations. The College’s training package has been designed to give team leaders new skills, knowledge and more confidence to lead more effectively.

It is central to the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and Safer Streets mission, which put visible, community-based policing at the heart of rebuilding public trust in policing to make streets safer. The programme also supports the government's wider police reform agenda, which places effective neighbourhood policing at the centre of policing's future.

ACC Tom Harding, Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing, said: “Neighbourhood policing is not just about visible presence, it is about the quality of this presence.

“The sergeants and inspectors who lead teams shape everything from culture, standards and professionalism to relationships with the public and partner agencies.

“Through College of Policing training, including tailored development for first-line and middle rank leaders, we are equipping them with the skills, confidence and consistency they need to lead more effectively. Investing in their leadership is one of the most direct ways we can improve policing outcomes for every community in England and Wales.” 

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “Strong neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of safer communities, and effective frontline leadership sits at the heart of this.

“We want sergeants and inspectors to have the skills and confidence they need to be leaders. Leaders focused on tackling local issues and building trust.

“We’re delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood officers - strengthening policing in local communities and supporting officers to keep people safe.”

In September 2024, the Home Office announced funding for the national rollout of the Neighbourhood Policing Programme following successful trials involving more than 1,000 officers. Since the programme started in June 2025, more than 20,000 officers and police community support officers across all 43 forces have completed early stages of the training, with assessment scores showing an average 60% improvement.