Leaders recognise that, particularly during large-scale incidents affecting multiple forces, standardising responses can diffuse highly volatile situations as quickly as possible.
And while the world of training isn't quite as pressured, similar principles and benefits apply. Standardising training can reduce hassle, cost and duplication of effort, which are big wins - especially for those working towards Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships (PCDAs) who work on the beat from the very start.
One of the best-known ways of applying consistency in police training is the National Policing Curriculum (NPC). It comprises common learning standards designed to meet policing needs, while enabling budding police officers to fulfil their potential, specialise in specific areas, and above all - stay safe while fighting crime.
Individual police forces can still tailor the curriculum to meet their specific needs, but if you're looking to standardise aspects of training, here are three top things to consider:
Officers from other forces are colleagues working to the same goals, and working collaboratively will help everyone to redirect time and money away from administration and into fighting crime. Take every opportunity to talk to peers from other forces, and get ready to share ideas on best practice.
Officers are very used to safely storing data relating directly to police work. But we've seen some get caught out by evidence for training - which can still contain highly sensitive details such as case notes and personal data.
Make sure all your apprentices know about appropriate redaction processes, and how to signpost evidence if it's too sensitive to include in their learning portfolio.
This is especially pertinent in forces which still rely on paper processes, and have not yet switched to an online system - set up with appropriate information security procedures in place.
Eportfolios are the best way to achieve consistency, standardisation and data security, while accommodating the specific requirements of individual forces and optimising use of resources.
Onefile's 100% secure Eportfolio is built for standardisation. Our learning software allows you to share data across approved centres, monitor quality, build courses and templates and make sure all users can access the same materials. That makes it easier to deliver, manage and monitor training - saving the precious time of apprentices, tutors and staff.
In an increasingly complex world, it might be worth looking at how to at least simplify your training and have excellence as standard.
Find out more about how Onefile can help you standardise training in your force with our guide.