PC Rob Green is conducting a new training program for Metropolitan Police officers at Hendon in northwest London. The program, developed by the College of Policing, focuses on safely using force when facing resistance from the public.
The training, known as Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST), involves scenarios and role-playing to teach officers de-escalation techniques, proper use of restraints, and force. This training is mandatory for all officers in England and Wales and must be repeated every two days.
Andy Marsh, head of the College of Policing, highlighted the importance of de-escalation and reducing the use of force. He noted that officers trained with the new PPST program have shown a significant decrease in the use of force incidents.
Additionally, the College of Policing reported that the pilot training resulted in 1,200 fewer use-of-force incidents over a year. Before the training, Avon and Somerset police officers used force around six times a year on average, which has now decreased to five times.
PC Ugurcan Dayan emphasized the value of scenario-based training in retaining useful tactics for daily policing. His supervisor, Sergeant Harjot Sehmi, highlighted how the training keeps officers updated on current guidance and legislation to protect them.
However, policing has become more contentious with the prevalence of smartphones recording interactions, like the recent incident at Manchester airport. Mr. Marsh suggested that police bosses should be proactive in releasing body-cam footage after controversial incidents to maintain transparency and prevent violence.
In conclusion, the new training program aims to equip officers with the necessary skills to handle challenging situations effectively while reducing the need for force. By emphasizing de-escalation techniques and proper use of restraints, the program seeks to protect both officers and the public they serve.