Officer concerns over lack of CBRN training

By Royston Martis

UK police officers trained to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear strikes would walk away from a terrorist attack in the capital because of a lack of training, the Police Federation Annual Conference heard last week.

Perry Oliver, a delegate from the Met Police Federation who represents CBRN-trained officers in London, told the conference how some of his officers would not respond to attacks.

'I have no confidence in the training,' said Mr Oliver. 'The key is the role that we are going to be asked to perform on the dreaded day.

'We need to openly discuss the real issues. I have good people who will not respond. They will find other things to do because they have no confidence in the training.'

Bob Elder, chairman of the Federation's Constables' Central Committee, said the organisation does have concerns over CBRN awareness and will continue to push ACPO and the Home Office over training and funding.

He said there are currently around 6,500 officers in England and Wales who are CBRN trained.

'This is an improvement,' said Mr Elder, 'but we continue to apply pressure to increase on this figure.'

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5/26/05