§ 25. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the length of training for new recruits to the police force is sufficient; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdSubstantial improvements in police probationer training recommended by a Police Training Council working party, as set out in the reply of 28 July 1983 at c. 545 to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Wareing), were introduced last month. They are based on the concept of a two-year apprenticeship including extended periods of training over the two years. Recruits will receive about seven months training before they are allowed to patrol unaccompanied by a more experienced officer. The working party also recommended that as a second stage a research team should be set up to continue the review of probationer training. This review team also started work last month, under the direction of Professor MacDonald of the university of East Anglia. It will examine and report on whether further changes are required.