Dangerous Dog Breed Identification training in Northern Ireland

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.043120

I note you seek access to the following information:

At least one local council in Northern Ireland had Dog Wardens undergo Dangerous Breed Identification training and they have disclosed that this was delivered by yourselves. On that basis, I would like to ask the following:

1. How many councils from Northern Ireland received this training from the Met Police from January 2024.
2. What dates did these courses run.
3. Was this training delivered onsite or remotely.
4. How long is the course.
5. What are the criteria needed to successfully pass the course or be certified.
6. How many NI local council representatives have not reached the required standard.
7. Can they retake the course if they don't successfully complete it.
8. What is the cost to the council for this training.
9. What does the training itself entail.
10. What is the leading policy or guidance behind the training - who sets the standards to be met.
11. How is success of the course measured and verified.
12. Do those who pass the course get a certification/qualification.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full. Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - How many councils from Northern Ireland received this training from the Met Police from January 2024.

12

Q2 - What dates did these courses run.

October 2024

Q3 - Was this training delivered onsite or remotely.

Onsite.

Q4 - How long is the course.

10 days.

Q5 - What are the criteria needed to successfully pass the course or be certified.

To pass a summative mock court presentation assessment, assessed by court accredited subject matter experts.

Q6 - How many NI local council representatives have not reached the required standard.

2

Q7 - Can they retake the course if they don't successfully complete it.

There is the opportunity for candidates to re-sit the assessment process.

Q8 - What does the training itself entail.

• Inputs from accredited subject matter experts on the American Dog Breeders Association Conformation Standard as published in the Pitbull Gazette, Volume 1, Issue 3, 1977 and the XL Bully Conformation Standard as published by DEFRA as published 01 February 2024.
• Inputs from accredited subject matter experts on the practical application of these conformation standards.
• Inputs from accredited subject matter experts on the court presentation of breed identification cases.

Q9 - What is the leading policy or guidance behind the training - who sets the standards to be met.

The course is a bespoke product based on the National Dog Legislation Programme delivered throughout England and Wales by a College of Policing accredited training
centre. The content omits legislation specific to England and Wales and focuses on
identification of prohibited types of dogs, preparation of evidence and presentation of evidence for the purpose of legal proceedings.

Q10 - How is success of the course measured and verified.

Candidates are assessed by independent subject matter experts in the field.

Q11 - Do those who pass the course get a certification/qualification.

Certification.