Comprehensive and reliable, Blackstone's Handbook for Policing Students 2025 is the ideal companion for the multitude of avenues into policing now open to future police officers, from pre-join degree courses, degree holder entry and degree apprenticeships, to the police constable entry programme. The book will also be of interest to Specials and PCSOs, especially those looking to join the police service as a constable.
Divided into five parts, representing key stages in your progression from entry into policing, to initial training and then confirmation, the Handbook leads you through each topic, covering theory, discussion, and practice while helping you to develop your skills of analysis, problem solving, and forms of reasoning. Coupled with a clear structure and accessible style, the book will provide you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake independent patrol in a professional and competent manner. Key topics covered include stop, search, and entry; alcohol and drug offences; sexual offences; interviewing; and intelligence, as well as policing communities and wellbeing. Those aspects of police training which are common to all new entrants are clearly identified. There are specific chapters on evidence-based policing and understanding the Police Constable role, making the Handbook the ideal resource whether you are entering policing through a pre-join scheme or through an alternative qualification route.
Part 1: Professional Policing in England and Wales
1: Dominic Wood: Introducing the Handbook
2: Dominic Wood, Robin Bryant and Richard Spreckley: Ethical Policing, Professional Judgement, and Decision-making
3: David Lydon and Graham Weaver: Understanding the Police Constable role
4: Jennifer Norman and Justin Hobbs: Evidence Based Policing and Problem Solving
5: Sofia Graca and Susanna Mitchell: Context in Policing
Part 2: Core Policing Values and Behaviours
6: Claire Smith, Barbara Hillier and Dina Kapardis: Wellbeing and Resilience
7: Katja Hallenberg and Helen Sykes: Valuing Diversity and Inclusion
8: Scott Clarke and Tara Dickens: Leadership, Communication and Teamwork
9: Jessica Bombasero Brady and Gary Jones: Managing Conflict
Part 3: Core Aspects of Police Work
10: Richard Honess and Steve Russell: Response Policing
11: Barry Blackburn and David Knowles: Policing Communities
12: Martin O'Neill, James Harris and Jo Smith: Information and Intelligence
13: Vince Straine Francis, Paul Norman and Kevin Lawton Barrett: Conducting Investigations
14: Paul Stephens and Paula Bradbury: Cybercrime and Digital Policing
15: Erika Brady and Paul Swallow: Counter Terrorism
16: James Nunn and Adrian Walder: Policing the Roads
Part 4: Vulnerability and Policing
17: Tara Dickens and Katarina Mozova: Public Protection
18: Paula Bradbury, Jack Moss, and Susanne Knabe-Nichol: . Victims and Witnesses
19: Paula Bradbury and Elena Martellozzo: Vulnerability and Risk
20: Karen Duke and Giuseppe Serrantino: Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use
21: Martin O'Neill and Susanna Mitchell: Sexual Offences
22: Katarina Mozova and Jo Mockeridge: Gangs and Serious Youth Offending
Part 5: Other Aspects of Police Work
23: Jack Moss and Stewart Frost: Unlawful Violence and Damage Against Persons and Property
24: Jack Moss and Stewart Frost: Theft, Fraud and Related Offences
25: Dominic Wood, Robin Bryant and Richard Spreckley: Stop and Search
