Training provided to officers in relation to safeguarding children

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.035914

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. What training do Metropolitan police officers 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 Met 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 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.

In the first 17 weeks of training new recruits cover Stop and Search. A portion of this training would be in relation to children. We also cover ‘Vulnerability’, and ‘Child Safeguarding’. The time allocated to these areas is not an indicator of the complexity of the areas covered.

Overall, we cover the basic legislation of stop and search across 4 days – the practical application of search is covered by the Public and Personal Safety Training Team (PPST) and encompasses all aspects of stop and search, not just relating to children. Details of the curriculum in the first 17 weeks can be found below:

Week 7 – Stop & Search

Week 13 – What is vulnerability

Week 14 – Child Safeguarding

Week 15 – Policing Communities – Trust & Confidence

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.

The training delivered is in line with the College of Policing National Curriculum, College of Policing Approved Professional Practice (APP) and MPS 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 Met 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?

The training is delivered is in line with the College of Policing National Curriculum, College of Policing APP and MPS policy.

To assist further please access the following link which may be of interest to you:

Professional | College of Policing