Autism spectrum training 322/2022

FOI Reference: 322/2022

Request:

Please can you provide information to the following questions, with answers from January 2021 to present day:

1a. How many staff (including officers & PCSOs, detectives and civilian staff) have undertaken training in relation to Autism, Autism-Spectrum conditions and learning disabilities/difficulties? (Please breakdown the number by rank.)

1b. Is the training mandatory?

2a. Referring to those mentioned in Q1a, has anyone refused to undertake or not undertaken this training? (Please breakdown the number into the two categories by rank.)

2b. If so, is any disciplinary action taken against staff?

3a. How often is training supposed to be undertaken by staff?

3b. Are these guidelines followed?

4. What does the training entail?

Response 1a:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

A total of 36 PCSOs have undertaken training in relation to Autism, Autism-Spectrum conditions and learning disabilities/difficulties in the timeframe specified.

Response 1b:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

The training is part of the PCSO Initial Training Programme.

Response 2a:

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police due to the fact that zero (0) PCSOs who receive the training in Question 1a refused the training.

Response 2b:

A response to questions 2b is not applicable which is based on the response provided in relation to question 2a.

Response 3a:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

The training is delivered as part of every PCSO Initial Training Course.

Response 3b:

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police in regards to guidelines.

Response 4:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

The training consists of the following:

• What Autism is and what it isn’t
• Can you be a Police Officer if you are Autistic
• Famous People who have been diagnosed with Autism
• Sensory issues
• Some of the characteristics of a person who has Autism
• Behaviours that you may notice
• Behaviours that are strengths
• Social Communication and Interaction
• Why people with Autism may become involved with the police
• Operational tips for officers when dealing with an Autistic person
• Completion the Autism Awareness Certificate via Autism Wales

It should be noted that as a result of the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such information that the information released may or may not be accurate.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 12/05/2022)