Special Constabulary training

27th November 2024

Our Ref: FOI2024/07493

Request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Ref No: FOI2024/07493   

I write in connection with your request for information received on 28th October.  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. 

I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (The Act) to handle all requests in a manner that is blind to the identity of the requestor. Any information released in response to a request is regarded as being published and therefore, in the public domain without caveat.

Response: Following searches conducted within the Operation Learning Unit of the Constabulary; please find the information you have requested below:

1. 211 hours face to face training delivered part time (evenings and weekends), plus additional online training.
2. Law, legislation, policing procedure, officer safety training, first aid and role plays delivered by Operational Learning.
3. Development plans are used on a case-by-case basis during initial training and are bespoke to the individual.
4. Following initial training SCs are posted to a neighbourhood team. They are then able to accompany regular officers (or experienced SCs) from neighbourhoods or intervention/response. During which they are required to submit evidence against a Police Action Checklist (PAC). These PACs are reviewed and awarded by a qualified assessor. Once, completed the SC is considered independent.
5. Please see the answer to question 4 above.
6. Provided above. The caveat to this is that the force (along with Beds and Herts) is currently in a transition period to SCLP, and currently delivering partial SCLP.