‘Snowf lake’ cops opt out of training

FOR most police officers, facing a barrage of four-letter words from abusive suspects is an everyday occurrence.

But chiefs at one force warn officers they may be upset by ‘swearing’ and ‘offensive language’ in training exercises – and should contact their supervisor if it’s too much.

The move – part of a trend for so-called trigger warnings normally associated with ‘snowflake’ university students – has been met with derision from hard-bitten cops.

One officer joked on Twitter: ‘If this language is not acceptable to you please go directly to the safe space where the duty inspector will bring you a nice snuggle blanket and a cup of tea ... after that hand in your warrant card as you’re no f ****** good to us.’

The language warning comes as part of an online exercise devised by Hampshire Police.

Before a section on hate crime begins, an alert flashes up on screen saying: ‘Warning!’.

It then says: ‘Please be aware that this package uses real-life examples and, as a result, has offensive language and views in it. If you feel that this language is not acceptable to you, speak with your supervisor about how to proceed with completing the training.’

It is understood the warning was issued after a complaint by a distressed junior officer.

A recent Home Office report suggested forces were struggling to recruit because so many young people are ‘wrapped in cotton wool’ and unprepared for harsh realities.

Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, said: ‘It is one thing for fragile 19-year-old sociology students to be easily offended, but when you have policemen and women getting distressed by harsh language you have a big problem.’