Would I be a suitable candidate for consulting role?

I am a Business Development Advisor in Higher Education effectively advising and selling in consultancy and training (some R&D collaborative projects), about 18 months in the role. Previous 10 years self-employed sales and marketing, 2 years with Healthcare Commission as External Contractor covering complaints process, 2 years lecturing and research in service quality. Policewoman (7 years) qualified coach. I haven't followed a standard career route..... should I give it a go?

Only you can answer such a fundamental question. If you don't believe in yourself and your suitability who else will?

I suggest you contact a company called methodware (google them) which has recently launched a consultancy and software business aimed at police forces (previously they did financial service srisk work). They might be interested in someone who had a police background, but can also sell and train - with those skills, they might be willing to compromise on your lack of consutancy skills and train you up.