The credibility of the HNC/D in the service could suffer if, despite it having the title of a ''Police Studies'' course, its value is seen as no greater than other nonpolice courses in terms of qualifications relevant to promotion within the service. Also the value of a course of liberal education, which does not have a direct practical utility to police issues, may be questioned. The marginal status of the HNC/D results in problems such as the lack of its adoption by all forces, the question of day release and student support, and the provision and support of police lecturers to courses. However, the development of the HNC/D as a separate entity from the mainstream of police training and examinations was probably the only politically acceptable means of introducing higher education into the police service. Three references are included. (Author summary modified.)