Police officers warned they must hold work licence or face the sack

Police officers in England and Wales must hold a work licence or face the sack, the Home Office has announced.

Officers must also renew the Licence to Practise over the course of their career.

The plans, which come as part of reforms set to be announced by the Home Office, are designed to teach officers new skills as criminal techniques advance.

This includes standards in tackling violence against women and girls along with neighbourhood policing.

But officers who fail to reach the standard when applying, after opportunities to try again, will be dismissed.

Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: "Every police officer needs to remain match fit to protect their communities. As crime evolves, we expect police to evolve more quickly.

"The Licence to Practise will equip every officer with the skills and capabilities to do the job - whether new to the force or a policing veteran.

"Under these reforms, police forces will catch more criminals and protect their local communities."

The Home Office said the plans had been drawn up from other professions including law and medicine.

Read more:
Revamped British passports rolling out this month
Home secretary vows to end UK's 'golden ticket' for asylum seekers

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce reforms on Monday.

The Home Office has said they will be the biggest shake-up to policing in decades.

The white paper, titled 'From local to national: a new model for policing', will promise to implement the programme in phases.

(c) Sky News 2026: Police officers warned they must hold work licence or face the sack