Blackstone's Handbook for Policing Students 2026

Comprehensive and reliable, Blackstone's Handbook for Policing Students 2026 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.