Branch vice-chair Phil Walker is one of the first South Wales officers to have completed the new, mandatory public and personal safety training.

Running across two days - a total of 12 hours - the training is scenario-based and shaped around six common policing situations: attending a street fight, stop and search, a domestic call, a public order, a custody job and an incident involving vulnerable people.

The physical requirement of the multi-stage fitness test remains at 5.4 or three minutes and 35 seconds.

The new curriculum, set out by the College of Policing, is being rolled out nationally across England and Wales. All operational police officers must complete the training by the end of the year.

We caught up with Phil, to find out how he found the new training structure.

Training

“I’d had a heavy Christmas, and over-indulged, what was I thinking signing up for the first course?” said Phil, who completed the training alongside branch secretary Mike George.

“That said, I managed to complete it, and better still, pass.”

The training is carried out in a specially purpose-built building, allowing officers to learn in real-life situations. 

“I think the course was great, I’m really impressed. It’s the type of training we did when I first joined the job,” added Phil, who became a cop nearly 23 years ago.

“I know there have been some concerns raised about the training, and some of our members are worried - especially about the fitness test - so I felt I needed to lead by example, before reassuring officers. That way, not only can I say I’ve taken part myself, but I can give feedback to members who might be worried.”

Public and Personal Safety Lead Beth Hawke was involved in creating a new course, at a national level, before returning to her home Force in South Wales, to roll out the training.

The new curriculum has been set out by the College of Policing.

“The old safety training was not fit for purpose,” said Beth, adding: “It was static and drill-based. The new training content replicates those practical situations so many of our officers experience daily.”

Chief Inspector Matthew Codd who manages the new course said rolling the new training out countrywide will mean all 43 forces will receive consistent training.

“Without a doubt, all officers, regardless of where they are based and in what role, need to be taking part in the same training,” said Matthew.

“And a lot of officers, who maybe have more of an office-based role could be asking why they have to do the training. In reality, we’re all police officers and while being out on the streets might not be part of your core role day to day, you need to be able to handle these situations confidently, regardless.”

Allocated dates

All officers will be given the dates of their training through a dedicated PPST rostering team, and Beth is encouraging all members to ensure they attend their allocated dates.

“We recognise there might be some officers feeling slightly worried about the prospect of new training but I want everyone to know that we are a hugely supportive group,” said Beth.

“If anyone has any concerns, please speak to us directly. We aren’t here to fail you, we are here to support you, please reach out to us.”

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