Police train with care home provider to learn how to treat and care for those with neurological conditions in Milton Keynes

Trainee police officers across the Thames Valley are participating in a scheme enabling them to understand the needs and concerns of different groups in their local community.

In Milton Keynes, PJ Care - one of the first care homes to be involved in the scheme - and Thames Valley Police are working together on the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP).

Twelve police officers a year will spend two days in one of PJ Care Ltd's three care units in Milton Keynes. The police officers will work with staff to care for residents with neurological conditions and the training will be a necessary part of their induction into the force.

The trainee officers will help staff with mealtimes, learn how to deal with the difficult behaviours of neurological patients, and assist with the day-to-day activities within the home.

PJ Care joined the scheme to offer police officers, nearly all of whom will be working in the local area around the homes, an insight into the behaviours of people with long term neurological conditions including Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s’ disease and early onset dementia.

Mandy Ludlow, director of clinical development said: “We are thrilled to be working with Thames Valley police on this programme and are pleased at how well it has been received, with the staff, residents and officers all giving positive feedback. We hope that by opening their eyes to the way these conditions can manifest themselves physically and mentally, it will help these officers in their everyday duties when they come across a situation with a person that may well be suffering from a mental illness or neurological condition.”

Martin Elliott, community manager for Thames Valley Police said: “Police Officers have to acquire so many different skills and knowledge in policing what is a very complex society. I am grateful to PJ Care for their investment and time in assisting with the Placement Programme, and allowing our new police officers to acquire knowledge in dealing with people with neurological difficulties. This can only be of benefit to these officers, the police service and the wider community of Milton Keynes.”