Use of vehicles and equipment for Detective Constables

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.046230

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. Do Detective Constables (e.g. Detectives from CID) use plain civilian cars that are not equipped with blue lights and sirens, or do they use plain cars which are unmarked and equipped with blue lights and sirens.
2. What types of duties or situations would detectives use either an unmarked response car, or plain civilian car without emergency or response equipment.
3. What type of equipment would Detective Constables carry on them whilst on duty or when carrying out tasks e.g. arresting a suspect at an address.
4. Do Detective Constables carry any protective equipment on them such as handcuffs, batons, cs sprays, tasers, etc.
5. If Detective Constables are allowed to carry any protective equipment on them such as handcuffs, batons, cs sprays, or tasers, then can they carry these in their own personal pockets whilst on duty or would Detectives hold these protective equipment in either a harness or duty belt whilst on duty.
6. What type of attire would Detective Constables wear whilst on duty.

Decision

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

Q1 - Do Detective Constables (e.g. Detectives from CID) use plain civilian cars that are not equipped with blue lights and sirens, or do they use plain cars which are unmarked and equipped with blue lights and sirens.

The Front Line Policing Delivery Unit (FLPDU) advise that the MPS has both plain civilian cars (they must be an MPS vehicle, private vehicles cannot be used for policing purposes) with no installed equipment, and unmarked vehicles with blue lights and sirens installed. To drive any car within the MPS, officers must apply for an eyesight test, pass a Basic driving exam and undertake a College Learn module on Pursuit Management.

Once qualified, Basic drivers can use unmarked cars – equipped with lights/sirens or unequipped - for general duties, but without employing the use of blue lights or sirens.

Basic police drivers may use blue lights and sirens to alert a member of public to their presence and request them to stop, however, they must not become involved in any stage of a pursuit and if a vehicle that is indicated to stop, fails to do so, they must not continue following it. Likewise, they cannot utilise blue lights and siren equipment to contravene the speed limit or red ATS; these skills/exemptions come with a higher level of Response training and qualification.

Therefore, any Detective Constable who is a Basic driver can use both the types of vehicles you are enquiring about; but, as above, only qualified and appropriately trained Response drivers may utilise the blue lights and sirens for the purposes of responding to an emergency event by contravening speed limits/red ATS or engaging in a police pursuit. Those who are trained must use the equipment/exemptions for a legitimate and proportionate policing purpose.

Q2 - What types of duties or situations would detectives use either an unmarked response car, or plain civilian car without emergency or response equipment.

FLPDU have advised that as per Question 1, any duty as long a (i) they are appropriately qualified as an MPS Basic driver and do not engage in pursuits/utilise any exemptions or (ii) are a qualified MPS Response driver and utilise the equipment/exemptions for a proportionate and legitimate policing purpose. Detectives can be deployed in both proactive and reactive roles that require a variety of driving skills in the MPS; it is the individuals who are trained as a requirement of their role, not simply the fact they are a detective that determines their driving ability.

Q3 - What type of equipment would Detective Constables carry on them whilst on duty or when carrying out tasks e.g. arresting a suspect at an address.

As per the Public and Personal Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), all police officers will be issued with 1 authorised baton, one pair of authorised handcuffs and one authorised PAVA (irritant) spray canister. In the absence of specific operational justification supported by the individual’s Senior Leadership Team, officers must carry their PPE when employed operationally and produce them to a supervisor upon request.
They would also have access to an Airwave Radio and BWV.

Q4 - Do Detective Constables carry any protective equipment on them such as handcuffs, batons, cs sprays, tasers, etc.

Answer provided as per Question Three (3) above.

FLPDU advise that only trained/qualified officers may carry and use a taser; if a detective is qualified, and there is a legitimate and proportionate reason for them to be carrying a taser i.e. a preplanned operation or high-risk activity, then it is possible for a DC to carry one.

Q5 - If Detective Constables are allowed to carry any protective equipment on them such as handcuffs, batons, cs sprays, or tasers, then can they carry these in their own personal pockets whilst on duty or would detectives hold these protective equipment in either a harness or duty belt whilst on duty.

FLPDU advise is that as per Dress Code SOP regarding Officer safety equipment, is advises officers must carry officer safety equipment in the appropriate pouches on the equipment belt. An alternative carriage system is available for plain clothes officers or a role authorised by the Clothing Board

Operational Support Service have advised for Uniform Services that Detectives are issued with a Covert Harness which holds their baton and PAVA. They are also able to wear a kit belt or MOLLE vest, where appropriate, for carriage of PPE when in Discreet Clothing.

Q6 - What type of attire would Detective Constables wear whilst on duty.

FLPDU advise in referring to the Dress Code SOP:

General appearance

• You should look professional, clean and neat at work and in all situations where you’re representing the Met.
• Your clothing should suit the work you're doing and be health and safety compliant.
• If you’re challenged on your appearance by a supervisor, take steps to address it.
• We don't have dress down days at the Met. Clothing definitions have been added below for ease of reference.
• Don’t chew gum or smoke when dealing with members of the public or in public view.
• Smart business attire is the default for non-uniform officers and staff

Standards of dress should assist in bringing an appropriate degree of formality to the workplace. A professional image is important when dealing with colleagues and internal customers as well as the public.
For example:
a) Training shoes, flip flops or similar footwear are not acceptable. Safety footwear may be required by risk assessment.
b) Formal or tailored trousers, skirts may be worn. Jeans, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, vest tops, tank tops or similar, irrespective of colour, are not acceptable. Ties are optional.
c) Business suits are acceptable. These are the preferred style of dress whenever staff are representing the Force at events.

Plain clothes

Casual clothing – Shorts and vests/tank tops, sandals/flip flops must not be worn, Covert (white) Met Vest worn under clothing, Covert equipment carriage harness, BWV carried using clothing clip or covert equipment carriage harness, Equipped with POLICE OFFICER lanyard for warrant card.

Equipped with POLICE OFFICER baseball cap (high vis for unarmed or Taser officers), Equipped with a POLICE armband (optional).

Discreet clothing

Business attire / Casual Clothing, Overt Met Vest, Overt Belt Kit / Tac Vest