The Metropolitan Police Service is famed around the world and has a unique place in the history of policing. It is by far the largest of the police services that operate in greater London (the others include the City of London Police and the British Transport Police). The Royal Parks Constabulary have now become part of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, the original establishment of 1,000 officers policed a seven-mile radius from Charing Cross and a population of less than 2 million.
Today, the Metropolitan Police Service employs more than 31,000 officers together with about 13,000 police staff and 3,700 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). The MPS is also being supported by more than more than 5,000 volunteer police officers from the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) and its Employer Supported Policing (ESP) programme. The Metropolitan Police Services covers an area of 620 square miles and a population of 7.2 million.
Challenge
To assist the Metropolitan Police in developing and delivering innovative training to every detective, exhibits officers and forensic practitioner attending a Foundation Training Programme at the Crime Academy to understand the role, purpose and challenge of evidence management and presentation.
Solution
The Pacifico Partnership was selected as the exclusive provider of training on behalf of the Mayor’s Office for Crime and Policing. We created a series of bespoke “Courtroom Confidence” training days designed to complement the National Occupational Standards and the individual Crime Academy Foundation Training Programme objectives.
The sessions involved a series of fast paced plenary sessions, group work, drills, individual performances and critiques.
Result
Since 2008, thousands of operational detectives and forensic practitioners have been trained. The training had a significant impact on the mind-set of operational staff in relation to “Thinking Trial”. This was evidenced and reinforced by delegates to the Academy Director who closes each course personally.
Over 95% of delegates rated the training at the highest feedback level of ‘very satisfied’
“The ‘Courtroom Skills’ module continues to be a key element in the detective training programme. I am delighted that the ‘Pacifico Partnership’ has been chosen to deliver this very important input to detectives attending the Metropolitan Police’s Crime Academy. Pacifico’s experience of police, particularly detective training combined with their unquestioned professional credentials, knowledge and experience and continuing relationship with the CPS makes them ideal partners. I am confident that they will deliver this training in a most informative and impactive manner”
Steve Lovelock, Detective Chief Superintendent, Director of the Crime Academy
