Police: Racially Aggravated Offences

Police officers and staff must be trained to act impartially, with everyone treated equally under the law. The Code of Ethics, which requires fair decisions free from prejudice, sits at the heart of police practice and operational training.

Chief officers are responsible for ensuring officers are properly trained and equipped on an ongoing basis in line with national standards set by the College of Policing through the Police National Curriculum and Authorised Professional Practice. These standards provide a clear, authoritative framework for good practice across core areas of policing, including around decision-making and the management of counter-allegations during the initial response to incidents. It includes the National Decision Model, which supports a consistent approach to assessing information, identifying risk, and making proportionate, ethical decisions in fast moving, high-pressure situations. Critical operational skills such as first aid are embedded in the National Curriculum and through First Aid Learning Programme which is designed and contextualised for policing. The fundamental principle throughout the training is the preservation of life.

The Government is committed to ensuring there are consistent, high standards in police training and we continue to work closely with the College to support ongoing improvements to national standards.