Members of the VVU recently participated in “HYDRA” training alongside colleagues from NCLCC (National County Lines Coordination Centre), AEF (Active Essex Foundation) and other colleagues from across Essex.
Hydra training is an immersive simulation used to train professionals, particularly in areas like policing, on managing complex critical incidents. It involves simulated events where participants make decisions under pressure, without real-world consequences, to enhance their decision-making skills and response to challenging situations.
Participants at last week’s training had to navigate a series of scenarios focused on exploitation, particularly county lines. The training explored the way vulnerable people are targeted, exploited and in some cases their homes taken over (cuckooing scenario) by individuals within a County Lines drug gang.
The course is designed so participants engage directly in the exercise, across organisations, including raising awareness of police decision-making processes and as part of this experience a “24 Hours in Police Custody” style environment.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their own experience to the course and contribute insights and suggestions, such as highlighting legal powers or questioning arrest decisions. In this training session it was critical for partners to be able to input their experience to the scenario so the outcomes could be responsive to the challenging situations.
The VVU team really enjoyed the experience. All participants came away from the day with a better understanding of the different roles different agencies can play in an arrest / criminal investigation; the use of legislation and tactical options; and finally, the importance of collaborative working.
There were opportunities for identifying key strengths in our current collaboration and where there are areas we could work towards deeper collaboration for improved outcomes.
Jim Pearson, from the Violence and Vulnerability Unit said: ”It was a great opportunity to practice and learn in real time, opportunities to safeguard both individuals and communities. All members of the VVU greatly appreciated the opportunity to be involved in the experience.”