Force should focus on quality of safety training

OFFICERS at Essex Police should receive more varied safety training if they are to protect themselves from attacks, the local Federation has said.

Essex Police gives officers around six hours officer safety training a year – below the national average of 9.5 – figures from a Freedom of Information Act request have shown.

However, hours spent on training are less important than quality, Chairman Mark Smith said.

He explained: “There are things that I would like to see a bit more in safety training. When you first join you’re shown a bit of self-defence and I would like to see refreshers on that.

“I’m happy with the training officers are getting at the moment but I would like to see maybe some other bits added.

“I think the quality of training is more important than the quantity. If it’s six hours and it’s hands on and officers are being taught with CS gas, then that’s a good use of the time.

“I’ve been pushing our Chief Constable for more Taser. I would like to see Taser rolled out more to officers to help with their protection.”

The College of Policing sets standards for the learning, delivery and assessment of personal safety training across England and Wales based on the 2009 ACPO Guidance on Personal Safety Training.

It gives no minimum time amounts for officers to receive.