Welcome to the Centre for Policing Research and Learning

The Centre has an ambitious, innovative and wide-ranging programme of activities involving research, education and knowledge exchange, working collaboratively with police agency partners. The Centre contributes to the work of police agencies as they adapt to a changing policing landscape, with its greater emphasis on evidence-based practice.

About the Centre Meet the team

Apprenticeships

The Department for Policing at The Open University offers 2 distinct routes into Apprenticeships for policing staff who are looking to gain a formal qualification whilst working in the forces.

OpenLearn - Policing practice and leadership

Choose and learn from our OpenLearn platform, showcasing our free online courses in the Policing practice and leadership hub collection.

OU Policing blog

Read up on the latest reflections from the Department for Policing teaching staff, with shared blogposts and insights from our expert practitioners.

Research outputs

Read the latest published CPRL research from the Centre's academics on a wide range of research topics.

CPRL Annual Report 2023

The Centre for Policing Research and Learning Annual Report 2023 celebrates the achievements and key developments in the department's progress over the previous year.