The report recommends changes to police recruitment practices

Politeia warned bright officers leave and those who seem incompetent and unable to inspire confidence stay on.

Ex-Chief Inspector of Schools Chris Woodhead contributed to the report, calling for better training and tougher entrance requirements.

Politeia said graduates should be fast-tracked. The Home Office said they were increasingly joining the police.

And it said some recommendations, such as more flexible recruitment practices, were already being considered.

'Below GCSE'

But Mr Woodhead told the BBC he was shocked by the police entrance tests.

"They are way below GCSE," he said.

"And you know that GCSE is not exactly a mind-stretching examination these days.

"What we should be looking for is young men and women with courage, integrity, common sense, the ability to seize the initiative in a threatening situation.

"Nevertheless they have got to stand up in court and they have got to have the intelligent nous to be able to deal with a complex of facts.

"There are issues about the academic ability of new entrants to the profession."

He said the quality of leadership should be improved.

'Appear incompetent'

BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw said the report was highly critical of the requirements for police recruitment.

A low standard of education was all that was needed, together with a number of vague skills and aptitudes, it said.

"The result is that the most able find careers elsewhere," Danny Shaw added.

"According to the study, the police service is left with officers who may appear incompetent and are unable to inspire confidence in those they serve."

One of the suggestions mooted was standing aside senior officers so that people from other professions could take their place.