General

Question 1

Basic principles when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 1

When dealing with an armed offender or an offender believed to be armed, Police should observe these basic principles:

• It is better to take the matter to seriously than too lightly
• Force used should be the minimum necessary to achieve the objective and reasonable under the circumstances
• Treat all armed offenders and offenders believed to be armed as dangerous and hostile unless there is definite evidence to the contrary
• Make every effort to prevent casualties
• Caution is not cowardice. When the offenders actions permit, cordon the area, and adopt the wait and appeal role in order to negotiate surrender.
• Never go unnecessarily into danger. However, if the offender is acting in a way that makes casualties likely, Police must act immediately to prevent this.

Question 2

4 Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety

Answer 2

1. Treat all firearms as loaded until proven otherwise.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and have decided to fire.
3. Be aware of where your muzzle points. Never let your muzzle cross anything you are unwilling to shoot. (Laser rule - Imagine a laser runs through the axis of the barrel).
4. Identify your target and be aware of what is around and behind it.

Question 3

Complete safety precautions in any of the following circumstances:

Answer 3

1. Whenever you take possession of a firearm that has been out of your immediate and direct control.
2. Whenever you are unsure of the state of a firearm,
3. Whenever you field strip a firearm.
4. Whenever you pass possession of a firearm to another person.

Question 4

Define ‘safe direction’

Answer 4

A safe direction is a direction in which if an unintentional discharge were to occur would:

• Cause no human injury, and
• Minimal property damage