Safeguarding of children training & stop and search of children with SEN training
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.035327
I note you seek access to the following information:
1. What training do Metropolitan police officers in NORTH AREA currently receive in relation to the safeguarding of children (young people under the age of 18) when stopping and searching them in the street?
Please include:
a) The length of training – in hours – for the majority of BCU police officers.
b) What is covered in the training – the content.
c) Any written guidelines or rules specifically in relation to the safeguarding of children when stopping and searching them.
d) Any written guidelines or rules on use of force specifically in relation to the stopping and searching of children.
2. In relation to the sub-section of children who are stopped and searched who may have SEN (special educational needs), what training do officers currently receive in:
a) Identifying children who may have SEN, including learning difficulties and neurodiversity issues, e.g. autism.
b) Communicating with children with SEN in an appropriate way and ensuring that their safeguarding needs are met?
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Q1 - What training do Metropolitan police officers in NORTH AREA currently receive in relation to the safeguarding of children (young people under the age of 18) when stopping and searching them in the street?
Q1a - The length of training – in hours – for the majority of BCU police officers.
In the first 17 weeks of training new recruits cover Stop and Search.
Details of the curriculum in the first 17 week:
Week 7 – Stop & Search
Week 13 – What is vulnerability
Week 14 – Child Safeguarding
Week 15 – Policing Communities – Trust & Confidence
Q1b - What is covered in the training – the content.
A portion of this training would be in relation to children. We also cover Vulnerability, Child Safeguarding – the time allocated to these areas is not an indicator of the complexity of these areas covered.
Overall, we cover the basic legislation of stop and search across 4 days – the practical application of search is covered with the Public and Personal Safety Training Team – this will encompass all aspects of stop and search not just with children.
Q1c - Any written guidelines or rules specifically in relation to the safeguarding of children when stopping and searching them.
Q1d - Any written guidelines or rules on use of force specifically in relation to the stopping and searching of children.
The training is delivered is in line with the College of Policing National Curriculum, College of Policing APP and MET policy.
Q2 - In relation to the sub-section of children who are stopped and searched who may have SEN (special educational needs), what training do officers currently receive in:
Q2a - Identifying children who may have SEN, including learning difficulties and neurodiversity issues, e.g. autism.
Q2b - Communicating with children with SEN in an appropriate way and ensuring that their safeguarding needs are met?
The training is delivered is in line with the College of Policing National Curriculum, College of Policing APP and MET policy.