UEL research shapes new Met Police training

A first-of-its-kind police training programme designed to help officers better support and communicate with neurodivergent children and young people is set to be rolled out regionally, following the success of a pioneering pilot in Newham, East London.

Informed by research led by the University of East London and delivered in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, The Police Foundation, the Mayor of London and Newham Council, the Policing with Compassion programme provides practical, frontline training to minimise harm, improve communication and build trust between police and neurodivergent young people.

Estimates suggest that while around 15–20% of people are neurodivergent, up to half of those entering police custody may meet this profile. In youth justice settings, the figures are even more stark: 80% of children involved in the system in England and Wales are identified as having special educational needs or disabilities, including forms of neurodivergence, many of which go unrecognised until after a young person has been arrested.

In high-pressure situations where police or safeguarding workers interact with neurodivergent young people, behaviours such as avoiding eye contact, struggling to process instructions, sensory overload, or appearing uncooperative or aggressive can be misinterpreted, causing situations to escalate unnecessarily. Policing with Compassion training equips officers with the tools to recognise these differences, build confidence to slow down interactions and respond with a child-first approach in high-stress and rapidly evolving situations.

Dr Darren Sharpe, Associate Professor in Social Justice Studies and Deputy Director of the Institute for Connected Communities (ICC) at the University of East London, said,

Policing with Compassion is a powerful example of what's possible when universities work in true partnership with communities, policymakers and frontline staff. This work bridges the gap between academic research on neurodivergence, safeguarding and youth justice, and the realities faced by young people and professionals on the ground. By centring neurodivergent young people's lived experiences alongside the challenges faced by frontline police, safeguarding and community teams, this training package reflects the University of East London's commitment to applied research that delivers real social impact. Rolling this out regionally is a major step towards creating a fairer, safer system for neurodivergent young people, and better support for police in caring for the communities they serve."

Superintendent Lucky Singh, Strategic Lead of the programme at the Metropolitan Police Service, said,

"This training programme is extremely important to the Met Police from a safeguarding perspective – helping our officers better recognise vulnerability and respond in a way that protects and supports neurodivergent young people in our communities.”

"The positive feedback from colleagues who have already put this training into action has reinforced the significance of this work – and we are pleased to see the programme expanding to provide support to those that need it around the country."

Detective Constable Daley Jones, Metropolitan Police Service, said,

"As a police officer and someone who is neurodivergent myself, I understand first-hand the importance of creating policies and services that work for everyone. My experiences have given me a unique perspective on the barriers neurodivergent people can face, as well as the strengths they bring to our communities and workplaces. I am passionate about ensuring that policy is informed by lived experience, grounded in compassion, and designed to create more inclusive and accessible environments for all."

A young person who contributed to the development of the programme through the London Borough of Newham Youth Empowerment Service said,

"As an autistic young person, I think the training can protect neurodivergent young people. It will help keep them safe if they are stressed. Every disabled young person should be included that the police should be together to solve crime in a better community."

The regional rollout of Policing with Compassion marks an important milestone in translating University of East London research into frontline policing practice. By combining academic evidence, lived experience and partnership working, the programme demonstrates how UEL research is helping to shape more inclusive public services, strengthen safeguarding and create better outcomes for neurodivergent children and young people across London.