Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what minimum English language proficiency requirements apply to (a) police officers and (b) police community support officers in England and Wales; and whether her Department, or any relevant inspectorate, has undertaken audits or assessments in the last five years of the ability of non-native English-speaking officers to communicate effectively in English with members of the public.

This Government is committed to ensuring consistent, high standards for entry into the police.

In respect of police officers, regulations currently require chief officers to satisfy themselves that all new recruits are competent in written and spoken English.

In respect of Police Community Support Officers, PCSO’s will typically have at least a Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g. GCSE grade A-C) in English prior to joining.

We continue to work closely with the College of Policing to ensure standards are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet operational requirements. The College is currently consulting on a new national standard for English and Maths to ensure a consistent approach across all forces.