§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland will be adopting the colour vision requirements arising from his Department's review of the medical assessment process for police recruits. [170204]
§ Mr. PearsonThe Home Office undertook a review of police recruitment medical standards. Part of this work entailed a review of the eyesight standards relating to both visual acuity and colour vision. The work was completed last year and the recommendations introduced in England and Wales.
When the new standard was introduced PSNI considered the findings. An area of concern centred on the fact that the new standards took no cognisance of handling firearms safely since this is not a requirement for officers in England and Wales.
It was therefore decided not to adopt the new standard until the particular circumstances pertaining to PSNI were reviewed. A research project has been established to ascertain the justifiable requirements for visual standards for recruits to PSNI.
PSNI are presently awaiting the findings of this research, which will be considered in association with the standards in England and Wales.