Not got good grades? Join the police force, says university advert
‘I don’t know many people who have the qualities to do our job. What an ignorant, insulting tweet’
POLICE officers have attacked a university after it targeted underperforming students with adverts recommending they join the force.
The University of Derby released the ad after students received their A-level grades earlier this month. It read: “Exams not gone to plan? Call us... to secure your place on one of our policing courses starting this September.”
Serving officers have called the advert “ignorant and insulting” for implying they are “thick as mince”.
Insp Aaron Clarke, of the Metropolitan Police, mocked the university on Twitter, saying: “Advert not gone to plan? Call us... to secure your place on our marketing courses this September. We even accept thick cops.” Anonymous blogger Inspector Gadget tweeted: “This doesn’t make us feel thick as mince ... thanks @Derbyuni #degreegate.”
A female officer said: “I don’t know many people who have the resilience, stamina or fortitude to do our job. What an ignorant, insulting tweet.” Another officer tweeted: “Come join us thickos on the front line. You will love being talked down to, being underpaid, overworked and abused.”
The university, which has strong links with the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire forces, has since apologised, saying it intended to “highlight the opportunities available to those looking to study this subject”. In a statement the university said: “The importance and value of policing as a profession is huge and is crucial to our society.
“Our advert copy did not reflect this and resulted in an incorrect message – we have removed the adverts and will ensure that this does not happen again.”