Time spent teaching recruits on mental health/to march

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.21.022353

I note you seek access to the following information:

During a police officers initial recruit training how many hours are dedicated to teaching about mental health?.eg Section 136 or incapacity.

How much of that time is dedicated to teaching the recruit how to maintain their own mental health in throughout their career?

Is there any time spent teaching the recruit how to avoid the stigma of having a mental health condition?

During a police officers initial recruit training how many hours are dedicated to teaching the recruit to march?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

- During a police officers initial recruit training how many hours are dedicated to teaching about mental health?.eg Section 136 or incapacity.
- How much of that time is dedicated to teaching the recruit how to maintain their own mental health in throughout their career?
- Is there any time spent teaching the recruit how to avoid the stigma of having a mental health condition?

With regards to training of the above 3 questions this is covered by the below bullet points:

• Student police officers have a number of wellbeing sessions during their initial 17 week learning phase
• In week 3 they have a whole day’s input on wellbeing & resilience which covers support for themselves and their colleagues, including how to identify support organisations
• In week 7 they are required to complete a 90 minute independent learning activity and e-learning package titled, ‘Mental Health and the Police’
• In week 8 they complete another 30 minute e-learning package on mental health legislation
• In week 8 there is a 120 minute lesson on the mental health toolkit
• In week 8 there is a further 120 minute lesson covering mental health scenarios with exercises and group work
• Student police officers also have access to content specifically in relation to mental health in the context of public protection and safeguarding)

- During a police officers initial recruit training how many hours are dedicated to teaching the recruit to march?.

At present the student police officers spend five hours per day for a two day period on teaching and practice relating to their passing out parade. The passing out parade lasts for three hours. There is no time specifically dedicated for any drill or marching.