Response officers in the MPS

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.040541

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. As of 1 October 2024, how many response officers are there in the Metropolitan Police?
2. How many response officers are trained to drive under emergency blue lights as of 1 October 2024?
3. How many courses are available in the UK for Metropolitan Police officers to receive emergency blue light training?
4. What other courses do response officers have to undergo before they can receive emergency blue light training?
5. How many officers have passed emergency blue light training since 1 January 2024, and how many have failed?
6. How much does it cost for each officer to complete the emergency blue light training course?
7. Why are officers not automatically offered emergency blue light training?
8. How many crime scene tents does the Metropolitan Police have across the force as of 1 October 2024, and what is the reason for this figure?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - As of 1 October 2024, how many response officers are there in the Metropolitan Police?

Q2 - How many response officers are trained to drive under emergency blue lights as of 1 October 2024?

9,481

Q3 - How many courses are available in the UK for Metropolitan Police officers to receive emergency blue light training?

Information not held as this is a National question.

Q4 - What other courses do response officers have to undergo before they can receive emergency blue light training?

They must hold a full driving licence for a minimum of 12 months and complete training packages on pursuits. A valid police driving exam must also be successfully passed prior to a course. (Test consists of Highway Code, road craft and policy questions)

Q5 - How many officers have passed emergency blue light training since 1 January 2024, and how many have failed?

Passed: 1,119
Failed: 71

Q6 - How much does it cost for each officer to complete the emergency blue light training course?

This isn’t something we charge for. Its MPS training for MPS officers. A recent End of Year Report suggested £2000 per officer if it was costed.

Q7 - Why are officers not automatically offered emergency blue light training?

Not all roles within the MPS require this training. It would be inefficient to train everyone.

Q8 - How many crime scene tents does the Metropolitan Police have across the force as of 1 October 2024, and what is the reason for this figure?

Contractors for Operational Support Group within Property Services hold a stock of small disposable crime scene tents for pan-London support. The stock of tents held is no less than 20 at any one time, based on the reorder lead time. These disposable tents differ from those used by the BCUs (below), which are larger and re-useable once cleaned.