Officer Safety Principles

Question 1

The Ten Fatal Errors

Answer 1

1. Lack of knowledge, apathy and/or complacency
2. Taking a Bad Position
3. Failure to Recognise Danger Signs
4. Poor or No Search
5. Failure to Handcuff
6. Failure to Watch Hands
7. Relaxing too soon
8. Making False Assumptions
9. Tombstone Courage
10. Sleepy or Asleep on the Job

Question 2

Officer/Subject Factors

Answer 2

Age
Gender
Size
Fitness
Skill Level
Multiple Officers/Subjects

Question 3

Special Circumstances

Answer 3

Proximity to a Weapon
Special Knowledge `
Injury or Exhaustion
Ground Position
Disability
Imminent Danger
Drugs/Alcohol
Mental State

Question 4

Tactical Movement

Answer 4

– Shape
– Shadow
– Silhouette
– Surface
– Spacing
– Movement

Question 5

7 steps to Routine Motor Vehicle Stop

Answer 5

1. CONTACT (Vehicle under notice)
2. ISOLATION (Tactical advantage)
3. WARNING (Signalling)
4. STOP (1m offset from VOI, 7m from rear of vehicle)
5. CHECK (Check for movement in the offending vehicle. Check the offending vehicle’s doors, boot, tray, or trailer)
6. ACTION/ APPROACH (Report location & details)
7. RESOLUTION (Arrest, TIN)

Question 6

Armed and Dangerous Motor Vehicle Stop

Answer 6

1. CONTACT – Vehicle/occupants identified as armed and dangerous.
2. ISOLATION – Tactical advantage
3. WARNING – Signal using police vehicle’s lights and sirens.
4. STOP – Police vehicle directly behind with approx. 12 meters between the two vehicles. (Where stop should not be made until backup available)
5. CHECK – Check for movement in offending vehicle/boots/doors etc.
6. ACTION – One officer to issue verbal commands/directions. Ensure commands clear and concise & one command given at a time. Direct offenders to place hands on heads, always maintain control of all occupants. Engine to be stopped and keys placed on roof if available (e.g., may be stolen vehicle) Driver to exit first, hands in air facing away from police. Instruct to turn full circle, allowing for visual search for weapons etc. Direct driver to walk backwards towards police vehicle, stop at front of police vehicles, kneel with hands on head, backup officer searches and handcuffs driver. Continue with remaining offenders, rear seat passengers last and all out drivers’ side (offside door).
7. RESOLUTION – Arrest/ TIN etc., do not become apathetic during this phase.

Question 7

Bomb “HOT” Principle

Answer 7

Hidden
Obviously Suspicious
Typical of its surrounds

Question 8

3 T’s of bombs

Answer 8

Do NOT:
1. Touch
2. Tilt
3. Tamper