§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he can give about the proportion of initial training and in-service training, respectively, devoted to minimum use of force tactical intervention squad training and to sociological and psychological aspects of prison management.
§ Mr. MayhewTwo per cent. of the prison officer initial training course is concerned with MUFTI and 7 per cent. with sociological and psychological aspects of prison management.
Regional and local variations make it impossible to quantify the proportion of general in-service training time devoted to particular aspects of prison work. Local training in particular is affected by operational factors and by the manpower resources available at any given time. Training staff at all levels are aware of the need to maintain a proper balance between the various elements of staff training.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that prison officers, as part of their training, are required to familiarise themselves with the Council of Europe's standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners.
§ Mr. MayhewConsiderable time is devoted in staff training programmes to the Department's own rules and instructions which reflect the Council of Europe's standard minimum rules. A copy of the rules is provided at every prison department establishment for reference by staff.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that prison officers do not lose financially by participating in in-service training courses.
§ Mr. MayhewPrison officers who attend in-service training courses away from home are provided with free board and accommodation, and receive an allowance to250W cover any additional expense. They continue to receive their basic pay and allowances, but there is no requirement for them to work overtime or carry out weekend duties during the period of a course.