Public and Personal Safety Test

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FIN/26/004845/P

Version Date: 24/07/2026

The Alliance People Department has provided the following information:

This video from Dorset Police (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOin7afe-yEs&data=05%7C02%7Cfoi%40dorset.police.uk%7Cf75344a305ca408ed53708ded4618c47%7C4515d0c5b4184cfa9741222da68a18d7%7C0%7C0%7C639181712746743358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fo0rHptL872TusW%2Bxf2gWCn68zSn2p%2FOIuHIBxsJR7A%3D&reserved=0) provides information about Public & Personal Safety Training (PPST). This is training that all police officers receive (whether Police Constables or Special Constables).

The College of Policing's Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) requires officers to pass both a scenario-based practical assessment and a Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT). Officers who fail must re-attend the training and assessments until they are deemed operationally competent and certified.

(1) Between August 2021 and August 2023, can you please tell me how many police officers (whether Police Constables or Special Constables)...

(a) Failed the PPST scenario-based practical assessment
(b) The reason they failed
(c) The outcome of them failing

The College of Policing’s PPST Initial course began in Dorset in January 2025. Prior to this, failures were not recorded as learners were given the opportunity to re-take assessments immediately afterwards.

(d) The support that was offered to them (please specify)

All learners would have been given assessment feedback on a one-to-one basis. In the period requested, this feedback would focus on the areas where the learner had not achieved competence, and they would have been given the opportunity to re-take the assessment on the same day.

(e) The result of that support being offered to them (e.g. passed the test)

No information held.

(2) Finally, how many opportunities do police officers (whether Police Constables or Special Constables) get to retake the test? If they continue to fail the test, even after support, what happens to them? (e.g. moved to restricted duties until a time that they can pass the test)

Student officers are assessed using summative assessment to check on their depth of knowledge. Knowledge checks have an achieved/not achieved mark which must be met. Students will have a maximum of four attempts at the summative assessments having received tailored development between attempts and four attempts at the knowledge check. Should a student fail to achieve the necessary competence/knowledge they will be deemed to have failed, and they will be referred to the initial training lead and HR for a decision on their suitability for the role of police officer.

These final assessments are to assess if a student is safe, lawful, and effective to perform their role.

Student officers will take three summative scenarios (day seven) in which they will be assessed on the knowledge, understanding and skills they have learnt over the course in line with GC10 Occupational Standards and the scenario assessment criteria.

The student must also show the right attitude and behaviour in line with the Policing Code of Ethics. These scenarios are achieved/not achieved.

If a student fails to achieve in any of the mandated scenarios, then they will retake that scenario, after feedback and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has been provided. Initially on day eight and then on further days to be provided as required. These dates will be set by the either the PPST Coordinator or the Operational Training Sergeant.

• Student officers who are not on a development plan will have a total of four attempts at achieving the summative scenarios. (days seven, eight and two additional dates).
• Student officers who are on a development plan will have a total of three attempts at achieving the summative scenarios. (days seven, eight and one additional date). This is due to the additional development they will have received during the course.

Student officers will also undertake a knowledge check this will have an achieved/not achieved score. If the student fails a knowledge check, they will initially be given feedback and CPD and the opportunity to re-sit a further knowledge check (up to four attempts total).

Where a student officer fails to achieve the required standard in any summative assessment element, this must be referred to the PPST Coordinator, who will inform the relevant Learning & Development Unit Manager.

The outcome for the student will be considered on an individual basis and may result in either an informal or formal review.

Where a student officer continues to fail to achieve the required standard despite the provision of development plans and additional training, the PPST Coordinator, in consultation with the Training Manager (Sergeant), will make a recommendation regarding the student’s suitability to continue training as a police officer or special constable.

A report will then be submitted via the student’s line management to the Head of Learning and Development, for a formal review of the student’s continued position within the organisation.