Fast track

Have you ever wondered how you could make it to the top of the policing tree? Since its introduction in 2002, the high potential development scheme has provided a fast track from PC to superintendent.

However, according to the Met, the scheme may only succeed in getting the brightest and best officers part of the way to the top and candidates have tended to end up in middle management posts. Last week, the force launched its emerging leaders programme for inspectors and chief inspectors to catapult the best to the top of the tree.

Tamsyn Heritage, the force's head of 'talent management', described the aim of the high potential development scheme since its revamp in 2008 - to get officers from constable to superintendent within seven years - as unrealistic.

However, Peter Fahy, ACPO lead on workforce development and chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, says: 'As a good employer, it is our responsibility to recognise and reward talented individuals and help develop them further through a structured scheme. We have a responsibility to ensure potential leaders coming up through the ranks are equipped to move into senior positions.

'The scheme is one way of doing that. It is a tough course to get onto and the standards are high. Recognising and developing the potential of our most talented officers is extremely important to the police service for today, and of course, for the future.'