HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 cc428-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the selection procedures currently used for Ministry of Defence police personnel employed in policing his Department's establishments. [38123]

Mr. Soames

The Ministry of Defence police apply recruitment criteria similar to those in general use in the police service. These include the national police initial recruitment test, a medical examination and a physical fitness test. There is also a group discussion exercise, two written exercises and a structured interview, evaluated by trainee assessors. The process accords with procedures set out by the Bramshill police staff college. The assessment also includes consideration of the suitability of the applicant to be trained in the use of and to handle firearms.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what type of assessment is currently made on the Ministry of Defence police personnel's ability to carry and use arms; what checks exist for different types of arms; and how frequently these checks are made; [38127]

(2) what checks are currently made on Ministry of Defence police personnel before they are able to carry and use the 5.56 mm SA 80 high velocity rifle; and how frequently these checks are made. [38129]

Mr. Soames

All potential recruits to the Ministry of Defence police prior to recruitment are assessed over a three-day period for their suitability for police training. This includes an assessment of their suitability for firearms training, made by experienced trainers qualified to Association of Chief Police Officers guidelines standards. Those who are successful and join the MDP receive a 15-week recruit course which contains 20 days' training on two types of firearms, the 5.56 mm SA80 high velocity rifle and the 9 mm Browning pistol. Failure to achieve a satisfactory and safe standard on both weapons leads to failure of the course and termination of employment with MDP. The recruits are assessed on their skills, attitude, accuracy and safe handling of the weapons. Dependent on the role of the police officer, the qualities are re-checked, and the individual officers required to re-qualify on the weapons, every three or four months throughout their careers.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the length and type of training required of Ministry of Defence police for the policing of his Department's establishments. [38121]

Mr. Soames

Recruits to the Ministry of Defence police undertake a 15-week residential probationer's foundation training course at the police training centre, MDP Wethersfield. Its purpose is to help officers develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes to act competently, with confidence and integrity and to provide a high quality service to my Department and the community. It includes training in essential skills and knowledge of the law through written, oral and practical exercises. Further training in supervisory and specialist skills, and refresher courses, is given during an MDP officer's career.