Reported quite recently in the magazine, that police are appealing for retailers and others to offer real training scenarios for trainee constables.
Trainee police officers from the Tameside, Oldham and Metropolitan divisions were put through their paces in a series of role-play activities outside the Droylsden Shopping Centre, on August 10, as part of training.
Trainees from the Hyde Area Training Base took part in activities in full view of the community. Members of the public from local Homewatch schemes played the roles of offenders in the various situations. PCSOs and a Special Constable also took part in the role-plays.
The students, in full uniform, dealt with offences including reports of someone trying to steal a car or taking something from a vehicle, a shoplifter stealing from the Wilkinsons store, who offered the use of their premises, reports of a burglary and also dealing with a domestic situation. Advisors were also on hand to give practical advice to customers in the car park on how they can keep their vehicles safe. There were promotional items available including car stickers, keyrings and leaflets detailing information on how people can make their cars less attractive to thieves.
What they say
Sgt Dave Moriarty of Hyde Area Training Base said: "This type of training exercise gives student officers great experience in a number of different situations and also allows them to get to know the area and local community they will be policing when they complete all their training. Community engagement is an important part of the student officers’ development and helps to provide them with a critical insight into the diverse make-up and expectations of the local community. Our officers are already trained to a very high standard but these exercises allow us to examine the practical knowledge of the student officers in relation to every day policing issues and incidents."
