Basic Principles

Question 1

1. Remember that….

Answer 1

It is better to take the matter too seriously than too lightly.

Question 2

2. You must treat …

Answer 2

All offenders who are armed or believed to be armed as dangerous and hostile until it has definitely been established that they are not.

Question 3

3. You must make…

Answer 3

Every effort to prevent casualties to the public and your colleagues in the police.

Question 4

4. No police officer…

Answer 4

Is required to take risks by making unnecessary approaches to the offender. Avoid impetuous and careless actions.

Question 5

5. Caution is not…

Answer 5

Cowardice and needlessly sacrificing a life is never the answer to a situation.

Question 6

6. Take immediate…

Answer 6

Action to prevent casualties if the offender’s behaviour makes you believe that that is necessary.

Question 7

7. Use any available…

Answer 7

Time to cordon off the area if the offender’s behaviour allows this. Take the ‘wait and appeal’ role until the specialist squads and other assistance arrive. Most armed offenders surrender without violence, given time.

Question 8

8. Use reasonable…

Answer 8

Force only in disarming or apprehending an armed offender, taking into consideration all the circumstances of the situation.

Question 9

9. You must use…

Answer 9

The minimum amount of force necessary to achieve your objective. The force must be in proportion to the seriousness of the offence or offences the offender has committed.