The Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) lasts for 2 years and is known to Student Officers as their probation period. The programme has been quality assured by independent assessors and to National Standards, which is then delivered locally in Lincolnshire.
The Student Officers are assessed during this programme against 22 National Occupational Standards which results in a NVQ in Policing at both level 3 and level 4. The programme is both community focussed and appropriate training is give to develop skills and knowledge in order to become a competent Police Officer.
The programme is organised as follows:
Phase 1 (2 weeks)
During this phase officers will learn about the Police Service and policing issues, including being formally attested as a Constable. This is a formal evening event, when officers' families and friends will have the opportunity to attend.
Phase 2 (5 weeks)
During this phase officers will gain an understanding of community policing and some relevant legislation. Officers will also benefit from a one-week community placement, where they will gain a valuable insight into community groups, partner agencies and identify how we can assist each other in our respective roles.
Phase 3 (17 weeks)
This is the longest of the initial three phases and contains the required theoretical knowledge, with opportunities to apply learning in simulations, some of which will be in community settings. During this phase, core policing skills will be developed as well as the supporting knowledge and understanding.
Phase 4 - (13 weeks)
During this phase officers undertake a standard driving course and receive tutoring in their workplaces from more experienced officers. This phase is practically based, consisting of street patrol and other relevant attachments. Independent patrol is reached once officers have demonstrated their ability to deal competently with a number of pre-defined actions from the Police Action Checklist (PAC). After this phase 4 then splits into 4 sub-phases which are:
- Phase 4a- a week of teaching which focuses on enhanced law
- Phase 4b - undertaking internal placements (e.g. with CID, Response and Patrol, Dog Section etc.)
- Phase 4c - a neighbourhood policing attachment of 3 sessions of 1 week each
- Phase 4d - Undertaking initial pursuit driver training and a further 2 days of law training.
As part of the training officers have to undertake 68 weeks independent patrol, during which time they will also work towards gaining an NVQ Level 3 & 4 in Policing.
To gain the NVQ, student officers have to provide evidence that they meet the standards required across 22 NVQ units including statement taking, arresting and communication.
