§ 29. Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure that all police custody officers are fully trained before being allocated their custody duties. [85594]
§ Kate HoeyNational Police Training (NPT) has developed a two-week training course for Custody Officers for delivery by forces. The course is subject to regular updating and was revised last year in the light of the recommendations of the report by the Police Complaints Authority. It is due to be revised again this summer to take account of emerging good practice and the findings of the recently published report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's thematic inspection of police training, "Managing Learning".
It is for Chief Officers to decide on the nature and timing of the training to be undergone by their officers. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) recognise the value and importance of the Custody Officer training package, and continue to work with NPT in strongly promoting the use of this course by all police forces. My right hon. Friend would encourage any initiative to ensure that training is provided prior to taking up Custody Officer duties.