Principles applying when offenders are armed

Question 1

Principle 1 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 1

Conduct an ongoing TENR assesment during the course of an incident.

Question 2

Principle 2 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Principle 3 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 3

Caution is not cowardice.

Question 4

Principle 4 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 4

When the offender’s actions permit, focus on de-escalation, communication, and prevention, cordon the area, and adopt the wait and appeal role in order to negotiate a surrender.

Question 5

Principle 5 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 5

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 6

Principle 6 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 6

Treat all armed offenders or offenders believed to be armed, as dangerous and hostile unless there is definite evidence to support the contrary.

Question 7

Principle 7 when dealing with an armed offender

Answer 7

Where practical, Police should not use a firearm unless it can be done without endangering other persons.