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N Smith

[email address]

9 November 2009

Dear N Smith

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST

I write in connection with your request for information dated 7 October 2009, which was received by Cumbria Constabulary on that day. I note you seek access to the following information: -

I wanted to enquire about the driving permits offered by your Force to Police Officers. The questions I have are:

  1. What levels of driving permits are offered?

  2. What do each of the driving permits allow the holder to do?

  3. What training is required for each of the driving permits and how are the candidates assessed? How long in length are the courses for each of the respective driving permits?,

  4. Are any of the driving permits offered by your Force, offered in a modular basis, (i.e. are they offered in modules of 1 week at a time until the course is complete etc),

  5. Which of the permits are available to Special Constables?

  6. If any modular courses are offered, are the available to Special Constables?

  7. How many Special Constables in your Force have driving permits which allow them to respond (i.e. use blue lights, sirens and allowed the holder to utilise the relevant exemptions afforded to them in law with respect of speeding, going through red lights etc),

I would appreciate any information that is available, in particular the information that relates to Special Constables.

Your request has now been considered and I can advise Cumbria Constabulary does hold the information you have requested.

  1. Basic

Standard Response

Advanced

  1. Basic- drive police vehicles within the speed limit and not make use of any exemption in law. No blue lights or sirens. No pursuit under any circumstances.

Standard- drive police vehicles using blue lights and sirens and use exemptions in law if required. Engage in the initial phase of a pursuit if trained.

Advanced- drive high performance police vehicles using blue lights and sirens. Use exemptions in law if required. Engage in initial and tactical phase of pursuit if trained.

  1. Basic- 5 days training

Standard- 15 days training

Advanced- 20 days training (must already have completed the Standard response to qualify).

Assessment is continuous throughout training against National Standard. Final test and written knowledge tests required.

  1. No modular course offered

  2. Basic and Standard response but must complete the full training package

  3. Not applicable

  4. 7 at present time.

For your information, an updated police driver training manual was launched by ACPO and ACPOS in June 2009. The manual provides police force driving schools with a framework allowing them to develop a course based on the National Police Driving Standards. Please see the following web link for more information:

http://www.acpos.police.uk/Documents/Policies/RP_NPDSC%20Police%20Driving%20Manual%202009.pdf

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right of complaint.

If you have any further enquiries about this matter, please write or contact me on the above telephone number. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in Cumbria Constabulary.

Yours sincerely

Jane Jones

Data Protection and Freedom of Information

Professional Standards

Enc

Jane Jones

Freedom of Information
Email [email address]
Tel: 01768 217194

Fax: 01768 217638

My Reference FOI 477/09
Your Reference

Chief Constable
Craig Mackey

Police Headquarters
Carleton Hall
Penrith, Cumbria
CA10 2AU

www.cumbria.police.uk