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Contact Us
For further information on our courses and guidance on all aspects of search please

PNSC Team

+44 (0) 3450 007672

Police Search and Security Co-ordination

We are a joint police and military unit, and the sole authorised provider of Police Search and Security Co-ordination training for the UK police service. We offer 5 core courses but can tailor bespoke training for UK or international clients.

The Police National Search Centre

The PNSC is authorised by the Association of Chief Police Officers to be the sole provider of training in counter terrorism search techniques to the UK police service. The centre was established in the aftermath of the terrorist attack at the Grand Hotel in Brighton in 1984.

After the terrorist attack, an enquiry led by Sir John Hoddinott, Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire, developed the close collaboration of the Army and the former Royal Ulster Constabulary to train and equip UK police forces in counter terrorism search techniques.

Today, the PNSC is part of the NPIA, and offers the expertise of the Royal Engineers and the UK police service. Training is delivered by subject-matter experts across the UK and amongst partner agencies overseas.

Police Search Team (PST)

This is a five day course held within police forces and partner organisations that teaches proven systematic search procedures and techniques.  The course includes training in the forensic recovery of exhibits, and the safety drills to be applied in the event of an explosive or non-explosive find.

PST trained staff are the front line resource for commanders in counter-terrorism and other search operations.

Police Search Advisor (PolSA)

This is a three week residential course designed for those who wish to become police search advisers. A police search advisor is capable of planning, conducting and controlling counter-terrorism and other search activity.

A PolSA is recognised as the most appropriate person to give search advice and guidance in relation to counter terrorism and other search related matters.

Police Search Co-ordinator (PolSC)

This is a five day residential course designed for managers who will be trained to co-ordinate all aspects of search activity in a police force or other organisation.

Security Co-ordinator (SecCo)

This is a five day residential course designed for senior managers and is aimed at those who will be responsible for the co-ordination of security operations and large scale event planning.

Missing Persons Search Course

This five day residential course is designed for those who manage and co-ordinate search activity in a missing person enquiry.

Bespoke Search Training

Training can be delivered from an NPIA site or at your own venue. The training is tailored to meet the customer or organisational need.

Topics can include:

  • Appreciation of current terrorist threat and methods of attack
  • Vulnerability assessments of venues and events
  • Systematic search procedures