Personal safety training also know as self defence

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.041625

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. A copy of joining instructions sent to Officers for PST training (also known as self-defence). To be clear, I only require the generic joining instructions as one copy, I do not require every date, venue, just the generic part about what to bring.
2. Whether there is a requirement to bring body armour to PST.
3. If such a requirement is in place to bring body armour, when was it put in place.
4. A copy of joining instructions which would have been sent out in 2020 and 2021, to be clear, I only require the generic joining instructions, I do not require every date, venue, just the generic part about what to bring.

Decision

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

Q1 - A copy of joining instructions sent to Officers for PST training (also known as self-defence). To be clear, I only require the generic joining instructions as one copy, I do not require every date, venue, just the generic part about what to bring.

MO6 send the warnings out with the joining instructions. Please see the below Dress Code which is sent to new joiners:

Please bring your KIT BELT/HARNESS (excluding PAVA) & MET VEST, with clothing and footwear suitable for physical gym-based training. Please see here for authority to possess PPE off duty. 
 
Fingernails must be short enough so that when looking at the palm of the hand, the nails cannot be seen above the fingers.
Long hair, which includes ponytails, must be neatly and securely fastened into a bun. 

Jewellery must be removed, including watches, rings, and piercings. Anything that cannot be removed must be securely covered or taped up 
You must wear professional, appropriate, and suitable clothing for physical based training.  

Training shoes must be clean, laced up, and offer proper support. 
Individuals who wear a Hijab as part of their religious beliefs are required to use Velcro or popper fastenings instead of pin fastenings. Loose ends of Hijab material are to be secured around the neck or within the collar, so that there is no excess material hanging behind or in front of the individual.

Q2 - Whether there is a requirement to bring body armour to PST.

Yes

Q3 - If such a requirement is in place to bring body armour, when was it put in place.

April 2024

Q4 - A copy of joining instructions which would have been sent out in 2020 and 2021, to be clear, I only require the generic joining instructions, I do not require every date, venue, just the generic part about what to bring.

The following is generic wording with instructions about what to bring:

You must bring the following equipment if issued to you.
* Utility belt (or authorised MPS covert harness / Tac Vest depending on what you normally wear for your role)
* Handcuffs & handcuff key
* Equipment Belt / Harness
* Baton
* DO NOT bring Live Pava