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SFC > Command - Specialist SFC > Flashcards

Command - Specialist SFC Flashcards

1
Q

At a high level what is the role of the strategic firearms commander

A

Strategic firearms commander

Determines the strategic objectives
and sets any tactical parameters.

Retains strategic oversight and overall command and responsibility.

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2
Q

At a high level what is the role of tactical firearms commander?

A

Tactical firearms commander

Develops, commands and coordinates the overall tactical response in accordance with strategic objectives.

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3
Q

At a high level what is the role of the operational firearms commander?

A

Operational firearms commander(s)

Commands a group of officers carrying out functional or territorial responsibilities related to a tactical plan.

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4
Q

Can the SFC be the SIO?

A

The function of the strategic firearms commander (SFC) or tactical firearms commander (TFC) must not be undertaken by the senior investigating officer (SIO) responsible for the investigation of the offence(s) for which the firearms operation is being conducted.

The separation of SFC and SIO roles may however not be necessary during kidnap operations, prior to the safe recovery of the hostage(s) and where the operational priority is the preservation of life.

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5
Q

Can the tactical advisor be in the command structure?

A

Where tactical advice is required by a commander, this advice should be independent. The tactical advisor should be independent of the command structure and not part of the operational deployment.

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6
Q

What are the 5 musts of the strategic firearms commander?

A

This role:

1) must set, review, communicate and update the strategy based on the threat assessment and the available intelligence
2) must ensure that the strategy for the armed deployment is recorded, including any changes to it, to provide a clear audit trail
3) must authorise the deployment of AFOs, or ratify or rescind the deployment where it has already been approved by the tactical firearms commander

4) must ensure that the firearms strategy complies with the wider strategic aims of the
overall operation

5) must be able to be contacted by the tactical firearms commander

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7
Q

Is it possible to have more than one TFC?

A

Yes. The SFC should consider the appointment of more than one tactical firearms commander where there are clear demarcations geographically (ie, police boundaries), or in respect of roles, or where the management of AFOs is only one part of the operational police response.

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8
Q

Who sets the command protocols?

A

The SFC

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9
Q

Who chairs the strategic coordination group?

A

The SFC.

will chair meetings of the strategic coordinating group (SCG) when they are held during a multi-agency or multi-discipline response

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10
Q

Who is responsible for overall resourcing of a firearms operation?

A

The SFC

is responsible for overall resourcing in respect of the deployment of AFOs

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11
Q

Who should consider consulting a tactical advisor?

A

The SFC

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12
Q

Who authorises the deployment of AFOs?

A

The SFC or the TFC

must authorise the deployment of AFOs,
or ratify
or rescind
the deployment where it has already been approved by the tactical firearms commander

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13
Q

Who has overall strategic command?

A

The SFC

has overall strategic command, with responsibility and accountability for directions given

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14
Q

What are the 3 musts for the tactical firearms commander?

A

The tactical firearms commander:

1) must assess and develop the available information and intelligence, and complete the threat assessment
2) must constantly monitor the need for the continued deployment of AFOs.
3) must review and update the tactical plan and ensure that any changes are communicated to the operational firearms commanders and, where appropriate, the strategic firearms commander

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15
Q

Who is responsible for ensuring that staff are briefed and debriefed?

A

The TFC

is responsible for ensuring that officers and staff are fully briefed

should ensure that after all deployed staff are appropriately debriefed,

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16
Q

Who should consult a tactical advisor as soon as possibe?

A

The TFC

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17
Q

Who is responsible for completing the threat assessment?

A

The TFC

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18
Q

Who should consider the number and role of the operational firearms commanders?

A

The TFC

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19
Q

Who is responsible for identifying organisational learning?

A

The TFC

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20
Q

Who is responsible for the consideration of provision of medical support?

A

The TFC

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21
Q

Who is responsible for is responsible for developing and coordinating the tactical plan in order to achieve the strategic aims, within any tactical parameters set?

A

The TFC

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22
Q

At a high level what is the role of the tactical advisor?

A

The role of a tactical advisor is to advise and not to make command decisions. The responsibility for the validity and reliability of the advice lies with the advisor, but the responsibility for the use of that advice rests with the commander.

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23
Q

What is the full role of the tactical advisor?

A

This role:

1) advises on the capabilities and limitations of the AFOs and other police resources being deployed
2) advises the strategic or tactical firearms commander on the implication of any tactical parameters which have been set
3) advises on the available tactical options for consideration by the strategic and tactical firearms commander within the existing strategy and any tactical parameters set
4) advises the firearms commanders on the tactical considerations, contingencies and implications for each tactical option (see National Decision Model)
5) should be in a position to assist and advise the tactical firearms commander at all stages of the operation
6) provides tactical advice reflecting the existing threat assessment
7) ensures that advice given is recorded.

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24
Q

What is the full role of the operational firearms commander?

A

This role:

1) must have knowledge and clear understanding of their role and the overall aim of the operation
2) must, where practicable, ensure that their staff are appropriately briefed

3) should be located where they are able to maintain effective command of their area
of responsibility

4) ensures the implementation of the tactical firearms commander’s tactical plan within their territorial or functional area of responsibility
5) updates the tactical firearms commander, as appropriate, on current developments
6) makes decisions within their agreed level of responsibility, including seeking approval for any variation in agreed tactics within their area of responsibility
7) must ensure clear communication channels exist between themselves, the tactical firearms commander and those under their command
8) should consider declaring and managing the event as a critical incident

9) should be available to those under their command, however, they should allow them sufficient independence to carry out their specific role in accordance with the strategy and tactical plan
should ensure decisions taken are recorded, where possible, to provide a clear audit trail.

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25
Q

Who is responsible for considering and declaring the event as a critical incident?

A

The SFC, the TFC and the OFC

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26
Q

What command support should firearms commanders consider?

A

Command support is a useful element of the command structure.

Depending on the complexity of the operation, and the availability of support staff, all firearms commanders must consider the availability and necessity for:

1) intelligence liaison
2) tactical advisor
3) negotiator coordinator
4) logistics support
5) post incident management
6) media support.

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27
Q

When should command be transfered from the initial firearms commander to a dedicated tactical firearms commander?

A

If incidents become protracted, there should be arrangements which enable command to be transferred to a dedicated tactical firearms commander, thereby enabling others to return to their normal duties.

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28
Q

When should the SFC be briefed about the deployment of AFOs?

A

A strategic firearms commander should be contacted as soon as practicable and informed that an incident requiring the deployment of armed officers is taking place.

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29
Q

What should the SFC do when they are informed of a deployment of AFOs?

A

The strategic firearms commander, when in a position to do so, should then review, agree or amend the strategy and any tactical parameters set and, where necessary, confirm or rescind any given authority.

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30
Q

If the SFC or TFC is not in a position to take on command then what should they do?

A

A designated strategic firearms or tactical firearms commander may not be in a position to take on the role immediately when contacted. They may, however, be in a position to ratify any strategic or tactical decisions made by the officers who have assumed initial command of the incident.

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31
Q

What are the 4 factors relevant to the decision to transfer command?

A

The transfer of command roles should take place as soon as practicable. A strategic or tactical firearms commander’s ability to assume command and effectively perform their command function will be dependent on a number of factors.

These factors include:

1) knowledge of the circumstances and available intelligence
2) the ability to communicate
3) appropriate tactical advice available
4) a suitable environment from which to exercise the command function.

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32
Q

What 3 things should be documented when command is transferred?

A

The transfer of roles at any level in the command structure should be documented and include:

1) time and date of transfer
2) confirmation and relevant intelligence and information has been reviewed
3) confirmation that the new commander undertstands the situation and decisions taken.

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33
Q

When should the strategy be reviewed?

A

It should be reviewed i) regularly, and ii) whenever there is a handover of command.

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34
Q

What 3 things must be considered when developing a working strategy?

A

When formulating a working strategy, firearms commanders are required to consider

i) the role of the police in protecting the public
ii) the wider duty to investigate crime and
iii) bring offenders to justice.

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35
Q

How should commanders assess short term against long term risk to the public?

A

Action taken to mitigate risk in the short term may only serve to displace or delay that risk and may not address the longer-term public safety considerations. It may only be possible to effectively eliminate risk to the public through the detention, successful prosecution and subsequent lengthy imprisonment of the subjects, particularly where they are committed or recidivist offenders. It may not, however, always be possible to develop a plan capable of securing sufficient evidence to do so without risk.

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36
Q

What should the firearms commander consider when considering whether to authorise a tactical arrest plan?

A

In deciding when to authorise the activation of the tactical arrest plan, a commander is, therefore, entitled to take into account the strength of the evidence against the subject(s) and to consider whether:

there is sufficient evidence to warrant the detention and prosecution of the subjects
overt police action at an early stage will reduce the likelihood of a successful prosecution
early overt police action will notify the subject(s) of the covert police operation and result in reduced control and intelligence opportunities
the longer-term public interest will be served by the activation of the tactical arrest plan at this stage.

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37
Q

Who sets tactical parameters?

A

SFC or TFC.

The strategic firearms commander may set or ratify tactical parameters within which the tactical firearms commander should develop the tactical plan.

38
Q

Where should tactical firearms commanders be located?

A

Tactical firearms commanders should be located where they can best actively monitor events and direct police actions. This may require them to be near to the scene, in a command vehicle, or in the control room, thereby enabling them to maintain an effective command function.

39
Q

Where should operational firearms commanders be located?

A

Operational firearms commanders should, as far as practicable, be located close to the officers that they are commanding.

40
Q

What should SFCs / TFCs do if they need to move location?

A

In situations where a strategic or tactical firearms commander does not have access to communications, current intelligence or other support, for example, if they need to move location, they should ensure that another commander is in a position to temporarily undertake their role. This officer will maintain command until the original commander is once more in a position to command the operation.

41
Q

What are tactical parameters?

A

Tactical parameters are set to give strategic direction, and not to develop or dictate tactics. In setting parameters, commanders should consider consulting a tactical advisor to discuss the effects of the parameters on the formulation of tactics. Where tactical parameters are set, they should be clearly articulated and regularly reviewed.

42
Q

Who agrees command protocols?

A

Strategic and tactical firearms commanders may need to agree command protocols with local geographic commanders, taking into account any community issues. Where there is a multi-agency or interdisciplinary element to an operation, command protocols can assist in clarifying areas of responsibility and command function, channels of communication and primacy of command at various stages of the operation. This is particularly relevant where the firearms commanders may be part of a larger operation using the gold, silver, bronze structure.

43
Q

What should happen when there is an unplanned AFO deployment across force boundaries?

A

Where AFOs deploy across a policing boundary in circumstances that are not expected or planned for, the original authorisation, deployment and command structure will remain in place.

The appropriate strategic firearms commander in the force or command area in which the deployment is taking place, however, must be notified at the earliest opportunity.

44
Q

If an unplanned AFO deployment crosses force boundaries then what should the SFC in the receiving force do when informed of the deployment? 4 options.

A

The appropriate strategic firearms commander in the force or command area in which the deployment is taking place, however, must be notified at the earliest opportunity so that they can review the deployment and command structure. This will allow that officer to consider:

1) authorising the deployment of AFOs from the originating force or command area, together with their command structure,

2) to continue running the operation
assuming responsibility for the operation, including command and the provision of AFOs

3) reviewing the deployment of AFOs and assuming the responsibility of strategic firearms commander (or appointing a new strategic firearms commander from within the force area) and dealing with the incident using the armed officers from the originating force
4) assuming responsibility and curtailing the operation.

45
Q

What should happen when AFOs will be operating across policing boundaries for a planned operation?

A

In circumstances where it is anticipated that AFOs will be operating across policing boundaries, command protocols should provide clarity as to any transfer of command that is required.

46
Q

What is a command protocol?

A

A command protocol may contain formal arrangements that allow each commander assigned to an operation to see:

how the command team will react to changes
that the use of legal powers (and compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998) is proportionate to meet this
how the deployment of specialist equipment will be managed, taking into account any community issues
how the command team rely upon and complement other commanders
when their command role should be considered (eg, firearms, reserve deployment).
Where there is a multi-agency or interdisciplinary element to an incident, operation or investigation, command protocols can assist in clarifying areas of responsibility and command function, channels of communication, primacy of command, and in dealing with potentially competing demands, for example, dealing with related threats within the context of an ongoing operation or major enquiry.

47
Q

What are the 5 musts for the SFC?

A

1) Set, review and communicate the working strategy
2) Update the working strategy
3) Ensure the strategy aligns with the wider operational objectives
4) Authorise, ratify or rescind the use of firearms
5) Be contactable by the TFC

48
Q

What are the 4 criteria for transfer of command?

A

KATS These factors include:

knowledge of the circumstances and available intelligence

ability to communicate

tactical advice available

suitable environment from which to exercise the command function.

49
Q

What are the shoulds for the SFC?

A

The SFC

1) should consider consulting a tactical advisor
2) should consider any tactical parameters to be placed on the police response
3) should ensure that all decisions are recorded, where practicable, in order to provide a clear audit trail
4) should test the tactical plan against the established strategy, where practicable and/or time allows
5) should set command protocols where appropriate
6) should consider consulting partners, stakeholders and interest groups involved (if any) when determining strategy (see also development of strategy (gold)
7) should consider the need for a community impact assessments
8) should consider declaring and managing the event as a critical incident
9) should maintain a strategic overview
10) should consider the appointment of more than one tactical firearms commander where there are clear demarcations geographically (ie, police boundaries), or in respect of roles, or where the management of AFOs is only one part of the operational police response.

50
Q

Kidnap. What is the Green Room?

A

SIO Command and SIO Support

51
Q

Kidnap. What is the Blue Room?

A

Covert Activity

52
Q

Kidnap. What is the red room?

A

Negotiators/Victim Communicator

53
Q

Kidnap. Who is the hostage?

A

the individual that has been kidnapped.

54
Q

Kidnap. Who is the victim?

A

the person, company or organisation to whom the unwarranted demand or threat is directed or intended or is expected by the offenders to respond.

55
Q

Kidnap. Who is the victim communicator?

A

the person communicating on behalf of the victim with the person (s) making threats, demands or issuing instructions.

56
Q

Kidnap. Who is the courier?

A

the person delivering the ‘ransom’

57
Q

Kidnap. Who is the complainant?

A

the person notifying the police of the offence.

58
Q

Kidnap. What is the stronghold?

A

location where the hostage is being held.

59
Q

Kidnap. What is proof of life?

A

proof that the hostage is alive – from a reliable/verified source.

60
Q

Kidnap. What is an inside agent?

A

A person close to (inside) the family or organisation of the individual that has been kidnapped or victim of extortion

61
Q

Kidnap. What is Green Command?

A

The purpose of Green Command is to provide and co-ordinate intelligence and logistics for all officers deployed in support of an investigation into a crime in Action such as kidnap or extortion offences.

62
Q

Kidnap. What is the primary objective of a kidnap investigation?

A

The purpose of Green Command is to provide and co-ordinate intelligence and logistics for all officers deployed in support of an investigation into a crime in Action such as kidnap or extortion offences.

63
Q

What is the key point of Brady v UK 2001?

A

Tactic chosen was ambush. Resulted in shooting of perpetrator. Use of force was reasonable.
Public expectation that police will act against violent criminals.

64
Q

What is the key point of McCann and others v UK?

A

The use of force by the soliders in shooting the IRA suspects was lawful.

However, the tribunal found that the the anti-terrorist operation as a whole was controlled and organised in a manner which failed to respect the requirements of Article 2 (art. 2) and the information and instructions given to the soldiers which, in effect, rendered inevitable the use of lethal force, took adequately into consideration the right to life of the three suspects.

In particular, the operation should have sought to prevent the subjects from entering Gilbralter.

65
Q

What are the tactical options for subjects on foot? (Includes bicycles)

A 
Armed enquiry 
Approach and physical control (can involve a pre-emptive use of force)
Overt approach and detention
Covert approach and detention
Close quarter detention 
Challenge from cover
66
Q

What are the vehicle tactical options?

A

Complaint stop
Enforced stop
Natural stop

With

Armed enquiry
Contain abs Callout
Extraction

67
Q

What are the criteria for authorising a critical shot?

A

A commander may have access to decisive information relevant to an imminent threat to life which he cannot share with AFOs for one or more reasons:

  • insufficient time to fully brief AFOs
  • prevented by law from passing info
  • info is so sensitive cannot be shared
68
Q

What 3 questions should the SFC ask to test the tactical plan?

A

1) does it mitigate the primary threat?
2) does it achieve the working strategy
3) is it ECHR compliant? PLANE

69
Q

Is it better to deal with a subject in a house, on foot or in a vehicle?

A

Least preferred is a vehicle (lethal weapon in its own right)
On foot they may run off
Preferred option is in a building as they are contained.

70
Q

What is the evidential threshold?

A

It is the threshold to meet the SIOs strategy eg when they are in possession of the firearm.

71
Q

What is the tipping point?

A

It is when there is an article 2 requirement to act. Eg sounds of shots fired within the building

72
Q

What is R v Brady?

A

The requirement for the police to consider sustained public protection by taking action to tackle criminality.

73
Q

What is R v McCann?

A

Is the operation planned to minimise to the greatest extent possible recourse to the use of lethal force?

74
Q

When can a pre-emptive taser strike be authorised?

A

Can be authorised by SFC or TFC

Can be useful to prevent subject from accessing weapon - eg if their partner is holding the firearm, but they will use it.

75
Q

Can an enforced stop be done on a motorbike?

A

Yes, but this is a high threat tactic

76
Q

What tactic should be used for a convoy of vehicles?

A

Identify the priority vehicle and stop that one - the others may be lost

77
Q

What are the criteria for an emergency search?

A
  1. Death or serious injury is immediately anticipated
  2. Dynamic search trained officers are unable to respond at that time
  3. Emergency search by armed officer is immediately necessary to
    a) save lives that would otherwise be lost
    b) prevent serious injury
78
Q

What are the consequences of the FIM declaring Op Plato?

A

1) different mindset for all officers
2) causes surrounding forces to deploy AFOs
3) causes request for military assets

79
Q

What is the difference between transfer of malaice and change of intent?

A

Transfer of malaise is when the subject intends harm to one person but inadvertently causes harm to another. E.g shoots at one person but misses and hits another

Change of intent is when a subject changes their mind about who they wish to harm. Eg wants to shoot the victim, but they are missing so attacks someone else (eg wants to attack their cheating spouse, but can’t find them so attacks their partner instead)

80
Q

Can the tipping point be met before the threshold is met?

A

Yes. If that occurs then need to be led by article 2 requirements to save life rather than evidential requirements.

81
Q

What is a critical shot?

A

A critical shot is shooting to immediately incapacitate the subject (usually a shot to the head or central nervous system)

82
Q

What specialist munitions do ARVs have access to?

A

Distraction devices
Smoke

These are useful for emergency search

83
Q

What is the learning from Stockwell?

A

Risk of unconfirmed ID of suspect

84
Q

What is the key point of Osman?

A

Duty to issue threats to life warnings or reverse threats to life warning if real and immediate threat.

85
Q

What is the point of Bubins vs Uk?

A

Importance of planning to minimise risk to subject.

Good cordon distances

Plan for darkness - lighting was good

No evidence of rushing

Negative was no negotiator at scene

86
Q

What are the most common tactical parameters?

A

No dynamic tactic to enter the premises unless an immediate threat to life or risk of serious injury.

No pursuit unless suitable trained staff. (TFCs are often not pursuit trained so pursuit would have to be handed over to the FIM)

No unarmed officer to stop the subject unless an immediate risk to life or risk of serious injury.

Arrest prior to the commission of the offence or as soon as sufficiency of evidence exists. If the offence takes place then arrests should take place post commission of the offence unless there is an immediate threat to life.

87
Q

What are the generic tactical options?

A
  1. Wait
  2. Mitigating action
    - high vis police presence
    - provision of protection
    - protect the intended victim
    - minimise subjects capability (eg disable the car)
  3. Keep the subject under observation
    - overt or covert
  4. Investigative assessment
    - deploy AFOs to carry out
    - can include discrete action
    -
  5. Contain the area around the subject
    - inner cordon (armed officers)
    - outer cordon (unarmed officers)
  6. Communicate with subject
    - negotiators
    - consider the impact of laser lights and torches on the subject
  7. Decisive action
88
Q

What is a dynamic search?

A

A dynamic tactic to save life.

Can only be carried out by CTSFOs

89
Q

What is a deliberate search?

A

A slow methodical search for suspects.

Can be carried out by CTSFOs or ARVs

90
Q

What are the 2 models of emergency search?

A

Victim focussed
Suspect focussed

Can be either in search mode (where their location is not known)
Or in advance mode (where their location is known)

91
Q

What are the 3 broad operational objectives for dynamic searches?

A
  1. Dynamic intervention to rescue hostages
  2. Dynamic entry to arrest and secure readily disposable evidence
  3. Other exceptional circumstance

SFC (5 decks)

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