ACPO President, Sir Hugh Orde said:

"Chief officers welcome today's announcement of a College of Policing. The professional recognition that it will bring to the police service in future, for the skills and expertise officers and staff demonstrate daily, is a significant step for policing. A solid framework for working with universities and others to develop the evidence base for policing is also an exciting opportunity.

"What now lies ahead is the task of successfully transferring those important functions currently carried out by the National Police Improvement Agency in a smooth and timely manner. I am pleased to note that the Home Secretary has supported the continuation of the vital work conducted by the ACPO Business Areas and over the coming months chief officers who lead in these areas will ensure that relevant non-operational national policing continues to be delivered through the new structure.

"For the College of Policing to be a success we must now work to ensure that it represents the service as a whole."