LCAPS Summer and Winter School

Are you interested in a career in policing or criminal justice?

Are you considering a future in policing, criminal justice, or the wider emergency services? Would you like to gain real insight into how these systems operate in the UK, beyond what you learn in the classroom? The LCAPS Summer and Winter School offers a unique opportunity to explore these careers through hands-on experiences, practical activities, and direct engagement with professionals working in the field.

Whether you’re looking to build your knowledge, enhance your CV, or simply experience something new, this programme is designed to give you a realistic and engaging introduction to policing and public safety in England and Wales.

The programmes were well structured and organised. I have learned so much and will definitely be coming back

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) proudly delivers the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies (LCAPS) Summer and Winter Schools dynamic, two-week programmes designed to give international students a unique, hands-on insight into policing, criminal justice, and emergency services in the UK.

Building on the success of our 2024 and 2025 cohorts, which welcomed over 200 students from partner institutions including Singapore University, Western Sydney, and Avans University, the programme has consistently received excellent feedback. Students particularly value the immersive, real-world learning experiences and the opportunity to engage directly with professionals working across policing and emergency services.

It was an enriching and informative learning experience

What to expect

This intensive two-week programme offers a blend of academic learning, practical experience, and cultural activities. Students will gain first-hand insight into policing and emergency services in England and Wales, exploring how research and evidence-based practice inform real-world decision-making.

Key highlights include:

• visits to specialist police and emergency service training facilities
• hands-on activities such as Crime Scene Investigation exercises
• guest lectures from current and former police officers
• insight into the National Decision Model (NDM) and its application in practice
• opportunities to engage with LJMU staff and students

The Winter School was really interesting and broadened my understanding of Policing practices in the UK

Key visits and experiences

Including but not limited to:

Mather Avenue Police Training Centre (Mounted Unit and Hydra Suite)

One of Merseyside Police’s main operational training facilities, Mather Avenue offers a unique insight into both specialist units and decision-making processes. Students will visit the Mounted Unit, where they will learn how police horses are trained and deployed for public order policing, patrols, and large-scale events. The site also houses the Hydra Suite, an advanced, immersive training environment used nationally to support strategic and critical incident decision-making. Here, students will experience realistic policing scenarios, developing an understanding of how officers make complex decisions under pressure.

Lea Green Police Training Centre

Lea Green is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility where new recruits and serving officers undertake practical, scenario-based training. The site includes mock environments such as residential streets, custody suites, and public spaces, allowing officers to train in highly realistic conditions. Students will observe how policing skills are developed through role play, simulations, and structured debriefs, gaining insight into how officers prepare for real-world incidents, from routine encounters to high-risk situations.

Firearms Unit – Speke

The Firearms Unit provides specialist training for authorised firearms officers, who respond to high-risk incidents involving serious threats to public safety. During this visit, students will learn about the rigorous selection and training processes required for armed policing roles, as well as the tactics, protocols, and decision-making frameworks used in critical incidents. The session will also explore the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the use of firearms in UK policing, alongside an overview of the equipment and technology used.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service – Training and Development Academy (Aintree)

The Training and Development Academy (TDA) is a cutting-edge facility where firefighters are trained to respond to a wide range of emergency situations. The site includes specialist training rigs designed to simulate real incidents, such as burning buildings, road traffic collisions, and hazardous environments. Students will gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of firefighter training, including physical fitness requirements, teamwork, and the operational procedures used to manage emergencies safely and effectively.

Harbourside Sea School

Harbourside Sea School offers practical, hands-on training in marine safety and emergency response. Students will take part in sessions covering First Aid in maritime environments, including CPR, hypothermia management, and cold-water shock. They will also engage in Man Overboard (MOB) training, learning essential rescue techniques, boat handling skills, and emergency response procedures. These activities are designed to build confidence, teamwork, and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations at sea.

This trip was beyond meaningful

Social and cultural activities

Alongside academic content, students will take part in a range of social and leisure activities, such as:

• hiking up Mount Snowdon
• Golf Fang (Liverpool’s immersive mini-golf experience)
• Anfield Stadium Tour (explore the home of Liverpool FC, including dressing rooms, tunnel access, and the club museum)

I don’t want to go home

Why join

The LCAPS Summer and Winter School offers a unique opportunity to:

• experience UK policing and emergency services first-hand
• develop practical skills through immersive activities
• learn from professionals working in the field
• build international connections
• explore Liverpool and the wider UK

This trip is the best I have been on