Probationers (FOI Ref 2019A/24)

Request 

I would like to know do people first do 2 years of training before they become fully qualified regular police officers in the United Kingdom?

what happens during the 2 years of training that people do before they finally become fully qualified police officers and also do people become fully qualified police officers after they have fully completed 2 years of training in the United Kingdom?

Response 

Please find enclosed our response. 

West Midlands Police can only provide information relevant to their own Force. We can not provide data on “United Kingdom”.  The data below relates to West Midlands Police.

In West Midlands Police, Probationary periods last for 2 or 3 years depending on the entry route they joined on.

Probationary Constables complete the following before being signed off as substantive officers:

Initial Training

• 22 weeks with the Training Department – all entry routes
• Face to face training and e-learning modules based on the National Policing Curriculum

Tutor Phase

• 16-18 weeks (minimum) – varies depending on entry route
• This period includes accompanied patrol with a Tutor Constable based in Response and Investigation Teams on Local Policing Areas. During this time the probationers complete a portfolio of evidence, which is assessed by the Tutors and then signed off by the Sergeant before they can patrol independently.

Independent Patrol

• Remainder of probationary period – up to 2 or 3 years of service, depending on entry route
• During this period the probationers are expected to complete an Operational Competence Portfolio, which is assessed by trained Police Constable Assessors and signed off by a Sergeant before they are deemed “Operationally Competent”
• The probationers complete this portfolio on the LPAs / Departments where they are posted for independent patrol

Further Learning – Years 2 and 3

• According to their entry route there are further elements of the curriculum to complete during the remaining probationary period, which is taught through either face to face or online learning
  • PCEP Year 2 – 2 weeks face to face learning
  • DHEP Year 2 – HEI Modules
  • PCDA Year 2 and 3 = HEI Modules