Stop and searches conducted by MPS trainees
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.046925
I note you seek access to the following information:
I am writing to you to request the following information about stop and searches conducted by Met police trainees.
- How long is the Met training process.
- Do trainees have to complete a certain number of stop and searches in their training period. If so, how many must they complete.
- Do trainees go out specifically with the objective of conducting stop and searches. If yes, how often does this happen.
- Is there oversight of stop and searches conducted by trainees. If yes, by whom.
- If a trainee repeatedly conducts unlawful stop and searches, what happens.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Q1 - How long is the Met training process.
MPS Response: The main training routes into the MPS are by undertaking the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) and the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). The PCEP takes a minimum of two-years to complete and the PCDA three-years. On PCDA, the recruits will undertake 2.5 days (17 hours) of teaching and learning on stop and search followed by a day of application during their initial training period. On the PCEP pathways, there are 1.5 days of teaching on stop and search followed by 3.5 days of role play exercises over the course of the 17 weeks initial training period. Following the initial training period, trainees will then need to be approved during their Street Duties phase to show suitable application of learning in the role. It should be noted that learning and development is an on-going process in the Met and additional mandatory training will be required throughout an officer’s career as well as specific training attached to specific job roles.
Q2 - Do trainees have to complete a certain number of stop and searches in their training period. If so, how many must they complete.
During Street Duties, recruits have to evidence their competence in completing safe and lawful searches in order to attain Independent Patrol Status (IPS). The minimum number of stop and searches they have to complete is one. It will be down to the capability of each individual officer in relation to the number of stop and searches it takes for their tutor to be satisfied that they can do so lawfully and safely.
Q3 - Do trainees go out specifically with the objective of conducting stop and searches. If yes, how often does this happen.
Recruits go on patrol with the objective of demonstrating competence towards their Operational Competency Portfolio (OCP). This includes conducting a lawful search. Patrols are not usually targeted towards a specific competency area - there is sufficient demand and variation in routine patrols that over the 10-week period, there is sufficient opportunity to demonstrate competence in all areas. On the rare occasion where a recruit has not completed the relevant OCP, they may give this area a particular focus on their patrol where they may seek to conduct a stop and search where there are lawful grounds to do so.
Q4 - Is there oversight of stop and searches conducted by trainees. If yes, by whom.
Yes, on Street Duties, Tutors and Street Duties Sergeants oversee the recruits whilst completing stop and searches in person. It should also be noted that after the initial training period, the stop and searches of officers are continuously monitored whilst they are within their probationary period.
Q5 - If a trainee repeatedly conducts unlawful stop and searches, what happens.
Whilst under supervision, a trainee would not be allowed to conduct a stop and search that would be considered unlawful. If it was identified (through review of feedback, body worn video or documentation) that a trainee whilst on independent patrol was not conducting stop and search in line with legislation, then a development plan may be put in place with a number of options such as additional coached patrols or professional discussion to test knowledge and understanding.
If they are unable to satisfactorily complete the development plan and remain unable to complete a lawful and safe stop and search, then regulation 13 proceedings would be initiated, which is the mechanism to terminate their employment as a police officer.