Clear Vision in Officers Training Proves Valuable
The Bridgend division of the South Wales Police have been applauded for their clear vision in providing ‘up skills’ for officers in the form of seminar days for PCSOs and Sergeants, and valuable court training sessions.
PC Paul Thomas, Operational Skills Development Trainer for ‘F’ division sees the sessions as essential for developing and creating a healthier and a more effective Division. The days are held to incorporate force issues, local issues, perceived needs, officer’s needs and even individual needs. It really covers every aspect of not only policing but also day to day challenges encountered in the personal aspect of the job.
The PCSO seminar day provides the community support officers with up skills and training, and also provides an opportunity for divisional issues to be raised to keep officers in the loop. It also offers the chance for the PCSOs to bring forward issues and hopefully find solutions from the group discussion. PC Thomas hopes that there will be a PCSO seminar day once every three months.
At the last PCSO seminar, the topic of victim satisfaction was raised and facts about how the division was making progress in this area were discussed, as were suggestions how improvements could be made. DI Warrick attended to speak about sex offenders in the community, and how the community support officers can offer help and provide valuable intelligence in some cases, along with a question and answer session from Chief Inspector Belcher.
The inputs on the Sergeant’s seminar day are selected according to local, divisional, community and organisationalneeds. It is rare for all Sergeants to have the opportunity to get together, so the day acts a perfect opportunity to share and listen to suggestions especially in the area of sector and relief management and good practice. Good practice sharing is key to the successful running of the seminars, and Sergeants take advantage of the chance to speak directly to their command team outside of the police environment.
Both days have been very well received, with officers stating how useful it was to be able to speak with the command team direct.
Moving on from the seminar days, a different type of ‘in house’ training has been initiated. Court training days at Bridgend Magistrates Court for officers is now in full swing, with officers being given a chance to gain valuable insight into the workings of a court on a daily basis.
A joint initiative between F division and the Crown Prosecution Service, officers are provided a full days training in evidence giving and cross-examination. The court layout and procedures are explained, with an input by the Clerk of the Court and Chairman of the Bench, which provides a valuable insight not usually available to officers. The sessions have been run for experienced and Student Police Officers, Traffic Wardens, PCSOs and Special Constables. PC Thomas is developing the sessions with a view to making them an integral part of Divisional training.
F division has been at the forefront of developing and carrying out these training days, and will continue to develop and improve and act as a catalyst for other divisions to follow the good work.