FOI 369254

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 369254

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 30^th October 2024.  Please find below the response to your request:

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

Reply

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? Special Constables will take part in a 15-17 week training programme which is set out by the L&D (Learning & Development) Team.  Officers are delivered training on Law, Police & Public Safety Training, and a variety of other police related content.  The delivery will be completed face to face and online and will be delivered in a variety of ways including role play exercises.

3. If any professional development plan or similar is issued to new Special Constables during initial training. Professional Development Plans can/ are used as part of Specials Constable initial training, they are on a case by case base, and they are bespoke to the individual learners needs if required.

4. After training is completed, how are Special Constables assessed and monitored? The volunteer officer would work through a personal portfolio whilst working with a response team, managed by a regular Sargeant.

5. Are Special Constables posted to a specific strand i.e Local Policing, Response etc or do they complete a carousel program? Initially all SCs are posted on Response but can move into local Policing roles with SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team).  SCs can apply for specialist role when these become available (for example, Roads Policing)

6. A general overview of your organisations processes for Special Constables from day one initial training to be confirmed in rank. The SC will complete the initial training phase, they will then work alongside a response team for next 12-18 months completing their portfolio which will then give them independent status.  The SC will either stay on response, work with SNT or move onto a specialist unit if a vacancy becomes available.