What is the Police National Search Centre?

The Police National Search Centre (PNSC) is the sole provider of training in counter-terrorism, crime and missing person search techniques to the UK police service authorised by the Association of Chief Police Officers.   The centre has twenty five years experience and a unique blend of Military and Police trainers utilising the expertise of the Royal Engineers and UK Police Service.  The National Search Centre is internationally recognised as leaders in the development and training on counter terrorism systematic search techniques. The PNSC was incorporated into the National Policing Improvement Agency [NPIA] in 2009.

What does PNSC offer the police service?

The PNSC delivers a range of specialist courses in search and security. After training, students will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge required to plan and conduct efficient and effective searches in order to:

• Obtain evidence for prosecutions
• Gain intelligence
• Assist in countering terrorism
• Tackle criminality, by depriving them of their resources and opportunities
• Locate vulnerable missing people
• Protect potential targets and key events

Training is delivered using a number of techniques which include a newly released [May 2011] e-learning modular package for standard search techniques and through instructor-led learning  coupled with practical and assessed exercises.

Who can attend?

Training is available to all Police Forces, partner agencies and other law enforcement organisations both nationally and internationally. The PNSC have supported a number of government sponsored projects internationally.

What courses do we offer?

Police Search Team (PST)
A one week training course held within police forces and partner organisations covers:

• Proven systematic search procedures and techniques applied to all aspects of counter-terrorism and crime search
• Awareness of forensic recovery
• Training in safety drills to be applied in the event of an explosive or non-explosive find

Police Search Adviser (PolSA )
A seventeen day residential course held at the PNSC. Upon passing this course a police search adviser is capable of planning, conducting and controlling counter-terrorism, crime and missing persons search. A PolSA is widely recognised as the most appropriate person to give advice and guidance in relation to search.

Security Co-ordinator (SecCo)
A one-week residential course held at the PNSC. This training is designed for senior managers in police forces and other organisations. This course will equip those who will be responsible for the co-ordination of security operations and large scale event planning.

Missing Person Search Course
A one-week residential course held at the PNSC. Designed for those who manage and co-ordinate search activity in a missing person inquiry.

Bespoke Search Training
This is training delivered either at the PNSC or at your own venue. The training is tailored to meet the customer or organisational need

Topics covered may include:

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

International and Partner Agency Training
The PNSC, working with the NPIA International Academy, has considerable experience in designing and delivering bespoke training to international clients and partner agencies. These courses are designed to assist in capacity building. Courses can be delivered overseas and for example could be aimed at 'training the trainers'.

Outcomes:

With trained search assets you get:

• Motivation
• High levels of professionalism
• Ability to plan with confidence
• Flexibility to respond to changing circumstances
• Consistency of the training and the trained
• Evidential and forensic awareness
• Court ready documentation
• Assurance
• Public reassurance
• Cost effective
• Deterrent
• PolSA relicensing - maintenance of standards
• Consultancy- fresh unbiased set of eyes and ears

For further information on the courses and guidance on all aspects of search please contact the course administrator at the email or telephone below:

Police National Search Centre,
Bramshill, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0JW

E pnsc@npia.pnn.police.uk
W www.npia.police.co.uk/pnsc
T (+44) 01256 602997
F (+44) 01256 602866