Security training
The original Highfield accredited Level 3 Behavioural Detection Officer course, with two live public deployment exercises.
- Level
- Level 3
- Awarding body
- Duration
- 3 days
- Price, inc. VAT
- £720(£600 + VAT)
- Next date
- 9 to 11 Dec 2026
About the course
Behavioural detection training: the BDO course
Delivered to proactive teams in police forces across the UK and to departments of the Metropolitan Police, this Highfield accredited Level 3 course is taught by current BDO leaders and practitioners. It runs in Kent, Glasgow, Liverpool, Hampshire and Cardiff, with live deployments at venues such as stadiums, arenas and city centres. And BPS does not only train BDOs: we deploy them, to large events and venues across the UK and worldwide.
An advanced three-day course for public-facing professionals: experienced security personnel, door supervisors, close protection officers, those from military or policing backgrounds and those in safeguarding roles.
It combines theory, case studies and two live public deployment exercises, one formative and one formally assessed. The course is aligned with NPSA guidance and updated as threats and legislation change.
Accredited by Highfield Qualifications and delivered by Barham Protection Services, it gives you the skills, confidence and credibility to deploy professionally as a Behavioural Detection Officer. You will explore how behavioural detection supports protective security, and learn to apply it in dynamic, high-footfall environments such as transport hubs, event spaces, shopping centres and festivals, and to overlay it on your day-to-day role.
This is an operational course, run by current BDO leaders and practitioners. The first live deployment is delivered formatively to build confidence; the second is formally assessed to confirm your competence.
- Qualification
- Level 3 certificate accredited by Highfield Qualifications, recognised in the UK and internationally
- Times
- Usually 10:00 to 18:00, flexible depending on event deployment
- Location
- Kent, Glasgow, Liverpool, Hampshire, Cardiff, or your own venue
ELCAS funding can be used for this course (Centre Number 14830).
Barham Protection Services Ltd is an ELCAS Approved Learning Provider. Centre Number 14830.
Barham Protection Services Ltd is a Blue Light Card partner.
Blue Light Card holders get 10% off any course: email training@bps-ltd.org with a picture of your Blue Light Card to receive your discount code.
*Blue Light Card discounts and ELCAS funding cannot be used together.
“The instructors brought extensive operational experience and taught from lived reality, not just theory.”
Topics include
- Core principles, history and the science of behavioural detection and observational techniques
- Establishing baselines and recognising suspicious behaviour
- Tactical communication and intervention strategies
- Foot surveillance tactics, taught by external police surveillance operatives
- Hostile reconnaissance and situational awareness
- Deployment planning, documentation and operational safety
- Unconscious bias and safeguarding, including Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
- Real-world case studies and scenario-based assessment
What the course gives you
- Accreditation: on successful completion, a Level 3 certificate accredited by Highfield Qualifications, recognised in the UK and internationally.
- Operational readiness: the skills to detect, deter and respond to threats including terrorism, activism and general crime, in public or private settings.
- Training from current, expert BDO practitioners, designed for professionals deploying in live operational environments.
- Guest speakers from policing, intelligence and investigative fields.
- Alumni access: high achievers may be invited to join the BPS BDO alumni group, where operational opportunities are shared directly by companies at the forefront of BDO deployment, including BPS, which provides BDOs to large events and venues throughout the UK and worldwide.
Practical details
- Three days, usually 10:00 to 18:00 each day, flexible depending on the event deployment.
- Regular breaks throughout the day.
- Accommodation is not included. Parking and transport details are sent on booking, as they depend on the location.
- Participation in the live deployments is mandatory, and one or more of them is assessed.
- We can also run the course at your place of work, your venue or in your own city, in conjunction with your organisation. Talk to us first so we can make sure it suits.
- Only our publicly run courses can be booked on the website. Corporate pricing is available on application: 0330 043 8443 or training@bps-ltd.org.
Delivered to the Metropolitan Police
- BPS delivers this accredited Level 3 Behavioural Detection Officer course to officers from the Metropolitan Police, and has done so for several of its departments.
- The training equips officers with the knowledge and practical skills to identify, assess and manage behavioural cues in high-risk and crowded environments.
Where it runs
Venues
- BPS HQ, MaidstoneUnit 10, The Old Brewery, Buckland Road, Maidstone, ME16 0DZA short walk from Maidstone West station, with free parking on site.
- Cardiff Arms ParkHosted by Celtic Security ManagementCardiff Arms Park, CardiffAt Cardiff Arms Park, home of Cardiff Rugby Club, with the stadium and city centre venues used for live exercises.
- LiverpoolHosted by Salamanca TrainingGreen Lane, Amber Business Centre, LiverpoolLive exercises often use city centre venues, including sports stadiums, arenas and retail settings.
- Romsey, HampshireHosted by AEC ProtectionAEC House, Romsey Industrial Estate, Greatbridge Road, RomseyLive exercise options include sports events and town centre settings, alongside local law enforcement, and local events.
- Glasgow CentralHosted by Centurion Risk ManagementPark Lane House, 47 Broad Street, GlasgowUses public transport hubs, shopping centres and event spaces for scenario-based learning.
- Your venueWe can run courses anywhere globally. Contact us for details.
Google reviews
In our delegates' words
“BPS is an amazing company. Their BDO Course Level 3 is excellent and provides a clear, in-depth understanding of the behaviours you are looking to develop and recognise. The content is practical, engaging, and directly applicable to real-world situations. The trainers are down to earth, approachable, and bring a wealth of experience to their teaching. They create a supportive learning environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and developing your skills. The real-life practical element of the course is truly the highlight. Instead of using actors, they place you in real situations with real people who have absolutely no idea what you are doing. This allows you to genuinely apply everything you’ve learned in an authentic and meaningful way. … I would highly recommend BPS and the BDO Level 3 course to anyone looking to gain real, practical experience and a deeper understanding of behavioural development.”
“I attended the Behavioural Detection Officer course last week. As a Paramedic, Safeguarding Officer and Crowd Safety professional this was something out of my normal practice. I cannot speak highly enough of the course content and delivery! … I have learnt from the very best, and will take these new skills forward which will undoubtably enhance so many areas of my professional work.”
“I recently attended the Level 3 BPS behavioural detection course, and it was an outstanding experience. The trainers were truly passionate about the subject, bringing energy and enthusiasm each day. Their depth of knowledge and wealth of real-world experience made the content extremely engaging. I highly recommend BPS for anyone looking to enhance their skills in behavioural detection.”
“After 13 months of wanting to attend this course, I have just finished the BPS level 3 BDO course and what a pleasure it was. From the very first minute Brett and Carla made me feel welcome and at ease with their professionalism and their knowledge was second to none. The course was an absolute delight to attend with the normally boring classroom learning made engaging and interesting. The two live exercises on the last part of the course just completed it for me as it wasn’t the standard classroom scenarios which you get on other courses. I would highly recommend this course with BPS and I look forward to putting in to practice the knowledge I have gained.”
“All elements of the course were professionally planned and delivered to a high standard. The instructors brought extensive operational experience and taught from lived reality, not just theory. The content was practical, credible and directly applicable. I would strongly recommend the BDO course.”
Questions
Questions about the BDO course
Anything else, call 0330 043 8443 or read the booking terms.
Who is the Behavioural Detection Officer course for?
Public-facing professionals: experienced security personnel, door supervisors, close protection officers, people from military or policing backgrounds and those in safeguarding roles.
What qualification do I get?
A Level 3 certificate accredited by Highfield Qualifications, recognised in the UK and internationally. The course is aligned with NPSA guidance and updated as threats and legislation change.
How long is the course, and what are the hours?
Three days, usually 10:00 to 18:00 each day, flexible depending on the event deployment, with regular breaks throughout the day.
Are the live deployments assessed?
There are two live public deployment exercises. The first is delivered formatively to build confidence; the second is formally assessed to confirm your competence. Taking part in the live deployments is mandatory.
Where does the course run?
In Kent, Glasgow, Liverpool, Hampshire and Cardiff, with live deployments at venues such as stadiums, arenas and city centres. Accommodation is not included; parking and transport details are sent on booking, as they depend on the location.
Can you run the course for our organisation?
Yes. We can run it at your place of work, your venue or in your own city, in conjunction with your organisation; talk to us first so we can make sure it suits. Only our public courses can be booked on the website. Corporate pricing is available on application: 0330 043 8443 or training@bps-ltd.org.
Can I use ELCAS funding for this course?
Yes. Barham Protection Services Ltd is an ELCAS Approved Learning Provider, Centre Number 14830. ELCAS can be used on our ELCAS approved courses. Blue Light Card discounts and ELCAS funding cannot be used together.
Is there a Blue Light Card discount?
Blue Light Card holders get 10% off any course: email training@bps-ltd.org with a picture of your Blue Light Card to receive your discount code.
What is the difference between the BDO course and the BDA course?
Behavioural Detection Awareness is a one-day programme that gives public-facing staff a baseline to use in their everyday roles. The Behavioural Detection Officer course is the three-day Highfield accredited Level 3 qualification, with two live public deployment exercises, for those who will deploy as BDOs.
Operations & training teams
Ask about this course
Clients can reach our teams 24/7, 365 days a year, through our 24 hour operations phones. Every enquiry is handled with discretion. Alternatively, make a secure enquiry online.