Recommendation MAI-13: Train BTP Sergeants in Bronze Commander role
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 2: Emergency Response, published 3 November 2022.
Recommendation
British Transport Police should ensure that all its Sergeants are trained in what is required of a Bronze Commander in the event of a Major Incident. This will help to make sure that the first Sergeant on scene can undertake the initial steps in the emergency response, prior to the arrival of an Inspector.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry recommended that British Transport Police train all sergeants in Bronze Commander duties. In a dashboard update published by the Cabinet Office in February 2026, the force stated that in March 2024 it completed two-day major incident command training for all sergeants and inspectors (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). It added that it had moved on to roster all trained personnel for a follow-up Hydra course to consolidate the training (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). Earlier, the UK Government recorded in November 2025 that the recommendation was accepted in full (Cabinet Office response, Nov 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 5 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The record reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Cabinet Office says completed (27 February 2026)
It is confirmed that in March of 2024 we completed the remainder of the Sgt and Inspector (and Chief Inspector) Major Incident Command training. That means all of our Sgts and Inspectors (Chief Inspectors) (at that point in time) have received the Major incident 2day command training and both the below recommendations can be shown as complete for BTP. We have now moved on to an additional phase where In September we launched our Major Incident Hydra course. This is to consolidate the Major Incident Command training and will see all of those trained rostered to undertake the Hydra course as well.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
It is confirmed that in March of 2024 we completed the remainder of the Sgt and Inspector (and Chief Inspector) Major Incident Command training. That means all of our Sgts and Inspectors (Chief Inspectors) (at that point in time) have received the Major incident 2day command training and both the below recommendations can be shown as complete for BTP. We have now moved on to an additional phase where In September we launched our Major Incident Hydra course. This is to consolidate the Major Incident Command training and will see all of those trained rostered to undertake the Hydra course as well.
From: Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, original version (data file)
Published evidence
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Summary by this site of the published finding
JESIP Joint Doctrine updated to v3.1 (April 2024) following inquiry findings on interoperability failures. Operation Plato reformed to cover all terrorist attack types, not just firearms. Emphasis extended beyond command-level to frontline responders.
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement