Innovative ‘immersive’ training launched to improve safety in custody
The College of Policing has launched a new immersive training package for custody sergeants and detention officers that will increase skills and improve safety for those who are arrested.
The training is designed to help reduce the risk of death and adverse incidents in custody, such as injury, medical emergencies and assaults on staff.
“Police custody is often where individuals end up as they enter or re-enter the criminal justice system. Policing has a duty to keep all people entering custody safe – particularly the most vulnerable in society – whatever their offence or reason for being there,” said the college.
“In the new training package, learners are immersed in a live custody environment alongside multi-agency partners. They are presented with real-life scenarios, dilemmas and decisions that affect the safety and wellbeing of detainees.”
The college says the training provides the “skills, confidence and tools” to keep everyone in police custody safe. It can be carried out in either a Hydra suite or within a classroom environment.
It is available for all police forces in England and Wales to licence and deliver locally.
Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp QPM, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) custody lead, said: My big hope for those that do the training is that they leave feeling that they’ve really been tested. They’ve really had to stop and really think, that they understand that their decisions and their actions have a direct impact on what happens in custody – and, importantly, the safety of those within custody – and a greater appreciation of their critical role in terms of safety and the running of the custody centre.”
Tony Maggs, custody liaison manager at the College of Policing, added: “This new training has been developed with the NPCC, forces and other partners. It is engaging and will allow officers to learn in a way that is as close to real life as possible.
“Custody sergeants and detention officers have a crucial role in looking after those who are arrested and it’s really important they are offered the best quality training so they are fully supported in their job.”
The College of Policing is inviting force custody leads and learning and development trainers to attend one of five ‘train the trainer’ events to learn how to run the immersive learning sessions and train force custody officers.
Event dates and locations are:
Tuesday October 4 – Ryton (Hydra)
Tuesday October 18 – Ryton (classroom)
Tuesday November 1 – Harperley Hall (classroom)
Tuesday December 13 – Harperley Hall (classroom)
Tuesday January 31 2023 – Ryton (Hydra)