SBD launches Academy to run new suite of independently certificated crime prevention and problem solving courses
Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, has set up the UK’s first ever Police Crime Prevention Academy to run a range of independently certificated, advanced practitioner learning and development courses in crime prevention and problem solving.
The courses will provide structured learning opportunities for PCSOs through to police senior management as well as for new and experienced Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) and Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs).
Other organisations will be encouraged to join the courses, such as partner agency staff, security staff and managers, retail staff, architects, local authority planners, design students and any other organisations that might have an interest in designing out crime.
SBD has worked on a suite of three courses and qualifications ranging from Level 3 (NVQ equivalent) through to Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma, with ProQual AB, an independent awarding body. The courses are due to start from September 2018.
The qualifications are as follows:
Level 3: An award in Introduction to Crime Prevention
For Police Community Support Officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams who give basic crime prevention advice. It is the most basic and diverse course for other organisations too. It may also benefit senior officers who have little working knowledge of crime prevention. Course covers crime science; benefits of crime prevention; problem solving; security products; and the basics of residential site surveying.
Level 4: Certificate in Crime Prevention for Practitioners
Designed for CPOs or similar who have crime prevention, harm reduction or vulnerable victim protection as their specialism. Course covers situation crime awareness, offender behaviour and identification of vulnerable victims; the features and benefits of applying crime prevention tools and techniques; implementing a multi-agency structured problem solving approach; understanding security product standards and application; security site surveying, reporting procedures and cost planning; and action planning for crime reduction and prevention projects.
Level 5 Diploma in Crime Prevention – Designing Out Crime
For established and experienced DOCOs, who have the same specialisms as for Level 4. It is the most advanced course for other organisations. Course covers Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and practice; understanding the planning process, laws and procedures; roles involved in the planning and design process; analysis of the built environment products, their standard and use; evaluation of the key elements that prevent and promote crime opportunities; and making effective recommendations for changes to the built or planned environment.
Approval is awaited from ProQual for SBD’s range of courses and qualifications as well as to become an authorised centre to award qualifications. Once approved the qualifications will be listed on the Recognised Qualifications Framework.
Guy Collyer, Head of Learning and Development, SBD, said this announcement follows SBD’s agreement in 2017 with the College of Policing to start to deliver crime prevention and designing out crime training in the UK.
“The new courses mean that SBD has achieved a new learning and development pathway in tune with current academic thinking,” he said.
In addition, SBD has launched its Professional Development Scheme for current DOCOs who will be required to complete a professional development portfolio to record their learning and development. A total of 30 points are required annually, with ten points being awarded for each event attended.
DOCOs are being encouraged to:
- take part in an online survey about the courses and qualifications, which is due to run from 4-23 April having been invited at the NTE to submit suggestions by Friday, 16 March. The results are expected by the end of June 2018
- apply to become an assistant tutor to assist with DOCO/CPO course delivery, subject to being an experienced as a DOCO/CPO and SBD delivery