It was established in 2012 to take over a number of training and development roles that were the responsibility of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA).

As soon as Parliamentary time allows, the College of Policing will be established as a statutory body, independent of government.

[6] In 2018, Marshall was replaced by Mike Cunningham, former chief constable of Staffordshire Police and a HM Inspector of Constabulary.

[7] In 2021, Cunningham was replaced by Andy Marsh, the former chief constable of Hampshire and Avon and Somerset.

[10] In December 2021, the Court of Appeal ruled that this guidance was unlawful and constituted a "chilling effect ... on the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression".