§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training in self-defence is given to police community support officers. [110859]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthThe training given to community support officers (CSO) is a decision for their chief officers and will depend on the role they are to perform and the powers that they are designated to exercise. The three principal training models currently in use contain elements on self-defence. The emphasis of this training is on the verbal resolution of conflict situations. CSOs are advised to call for police assistance if in any doubt about their own safety or the safety of the public.