PCC joins Gwent officers to view public safety training

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has joined Gwent Police officers to view a series of training exercises in public safety and the use of taser.

Following an eight-day intensive course during their initial training period, all police officers must undertake yearly refresher sessions in public safety, which includes stop and search, and managing detainees in custody. Officers trained in taser must also complete annual training to ensure their skills are up to date.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for scrutinising the police’s use of force and its use of taser, and providing an independent check and balance to ensure these powers are deployed fairly and effectively.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “It was really interesting to see this training first hand and I was reassured by the depth of knowledge and expertise of the trainers, and the robustness of the training exercises.

“My team regularly review Gwent Police’s use of force and taser through my Legitimacy Scrutiny Panel, which identifies examples of good work but also incidents when further learning is required. Since it was introduced in 2013 my team have seen a real improvement in the interactions between the police and the public.

“This is one of the ways that I hold the Chief Constable to account of behalf of the public, and helps to ensure that processes are being carried out in a way that is open, honest and transparent.”

You can view reports from panel meetings on the Office of the Police an Crime Commissioner’s website.