Special Constabulary Training Programme

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.040991

I note you seek access to the following information:

Please could you provide me with information regarding the initial training undertaken by Special Constables who join your organisation.

1. Number of days training to be completed
2. Detail of training i.e Law, Legislation, Roleplays. Is this completed by your training school or in house by the Special Constabulary
3. If any professional development plan or similar is issued to new Special Constables during initial training.
4. After training is completed, how are Special Constables assessed and monitored?
5. Are Special Constables posted to a specific strand i.e Local Policing, Response etc or do they complete a carousel program?
6. A general overview of your organisations processes for Special Constables from day one initial training to be confirmed in rank.

Decision

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

Q1 - Number of days training to be completed.

The Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) foundation training course is 23 days.

Q2 - Detail of training i.e Law, Legislation, Roleplays. Is this completed by your training school or in house by the Special Constabulary.

The course is delivered by the MPS Learning & Development Directorate. It consists of thirteen classroom days covering legislation, police powers and procedures, including written and role play assessments; eight practical days of Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST); and two practical days of Emergency Life Support (ELS) which are assessed throughout.

Q3 - If any professional development plan or similar is issued to new Special Constables during initial training.

Upon completion the of foundation training course, officers commence the Defined Training Period (DTP) consisting of a Police Action Checklist (PAC) of core policing activities to be completed within 24 months. This also includes completion of a four-day Continuation Training Course (CTC) covering additional modules and a written assessment. Successful completion of the DTP leads to being confirmed as substantive in the role of Special Constable and Independent Patrol Status (IPS) is awarded.

Q4 - After training is completed, how are Special Constables assessed and monitored.

Progress throughout the DTP is managed by local supervisors on each BCU as officers undertake coached patrols. Supervisors carry out performance reviews every six months during the DTP.

Q5 - Are Special Constables posted to a specific strand i.e Local Policing, Response etc or do they complete a carousel program.

Special Constables are posted across various command units and strands.

Q6 - A general overview of your organisations processes for Special Constables from day one initial training to be confirmed in rank.

Please see our response to question 3 above.