Training Regarding Autism, Mental Health, Disability and the Equality Act

Publication Number: 1553

FOI Number: 20452

Information Request 

I would like to know what all officers in Essex are given training in regarding:

Autistic behaviour and presentation differences
Mental health and Chronic illness/disability
The equality act 2010

FOI Duty  

First Duty – Essex Police does hold information relating to all your request.   

Second Duty – See below 

Fact – See below 

Exemption – Not applicable 

Essex Police can report as follows: 

Caveat: The statements are correct as at 24 July 2024

Training surrounding autistic behaviour and presentation differences

- There is no specific training that is solely focused on this subject however, autism is spoken about during the mental health training course. Case studies of the detention of persons with autism are discussed to assist the trainees with understanding how autism affects behaviours.

Training surrounding mental health and chronic illness/disability

- There is a specific lesson in relation to mental health training, as well as a practical day that covers different mental health scenarios. There is also mandated mental health online learning to be completed.

Training surrounding The Equality Act 2010

- The Equality Act is specifically mentioned in our valuing diversity lesson and is also mentioned across numerous lessons with the syllabus. There is also a mandated online learning for students to complete.

Essex Police follows the College of Policing’s guidance on this subject. More information surrounding this can be accessed via the following links as an effort to assist:

Mental vulnerability and illness | College of Policing

Neurodiversity training to better support the public | College of Policing