§ 7. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to increase the number of police officers throughout Great Britain with special training in race relations.
§ 11. Mr. Barnesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to increase the provision of special training courses for police officers in community relations.
§ Mr. SharplesA working party is examining this matter. My right hon. Friend will review existing arrangements in England and Wales as soon as he has the working party's report.
§ Mr. JuddI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Would he not agree that, in view of the first line and highly delicate, sensitive work performed by the police in this area, there is an urgent necessity to step up the special preparation and special 1237 training to help them to do the job as properly and effectively as it can be done?
§ Mr. SharplesYes, I agree with the hon. Gentleman. The working party has met twice already. I think that we should await its report, but I appreciate the urgency.
§ Mr. BarnesIs it not the case that very little formal training, as opposed to talks by senior police officers, has been carried out hitherto, especially into the customs and psychology of different community groups? Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that, in mixed community areas, it is very important that all policemen should receive formal training of this kind?
§ Mr. SharplesYes, this is one of the matters which the working party will be examining.
§ Mr. LongdenIs my hon. Friend aware that there is an urgent need for an increase in the number of police officers, whether with special training or without?
§ Mr. SharplesYes, Sir, I am.