Public order and civil disturbance procedure - PN261

Question 1

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

The Fire Service nationally uses the term ‘civil disturbance’ for what purpose?

Answer 1

It is used as a recognised term for enacting policies and procedures to implement additional control measures in situations where there is an actual or anticipated higher level of risk exposure to fire service operations.

(Policy 261, 2.2)

Question 2

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

What message should be sent to Brigade Control when it becomes apparent that a civil disturbance is occuring?

Answer 2

“Priority, civil disturbance in progress at…..”

(Policy 261, 4.5)

Question 3

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

If LFB is called to an incident where it is known that there is or may be disorder the IC must make an early assessment in order to ascertain what information?

Answer 3

• Are the police in attendance?
• Is MPS assistance necessary or could a MPS presence cause the situation to deteriorate?
• Can LFB operations commence prior to MPS support arriving?
• Is the disorder isolated or likely to spread over a large area?
• Is the safety of crews threatened by the disorder? If so, are additional control measures required?
• Is it safe for crews to remain at scene or does the situation require an immediate withdrawal to a safe RVP to await further resources/assistance?

(Policy 261, 4.4)

Question 4

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

Having declared ‘a civil disturbance in progress’, what information should be sent in a subsequent informative message?

Answer 4

• Approximate area involved, use boundary road’s if known .
• A request for police to attend, or stating if they are in attendance.
• A description of the incident.
• A brief description of the disorder including numbers of persons involved if known.
• Any hindrance to LFB operations.
• Any deviation from normal fire fighting tactics required or implemented (e.g. one jet direct from hydrant).
• Safe RVP for any oncoming appliances/officers and route.

(Policy, 261, 4.6)

Question 5

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

Are LFB personel expected to enter an area of civil disturbance?

Answer 5

On occasion it may be appropriate for LFB to enter an area of civil disturbance escorted by the police. This should not normally include police officers riding appliances.

(Policy 261, 5.1)

Question 6

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

What control measures must be considered If the police are not in attendance or if they are unable to completely secure the area of operations?

Answer 6

• The police must be requested via a priority message
• The IC must assess whether it is safe for crews to commence operations.
• Any operational plan must allow for quick withdrawal
• Only commit personnel into buildings to rescue saveable life.
• Employ only basic external fire-fighting tactics (e.g. No aerial appliances).
• Tasks should not be carried out by lone personnel.
• Drivers are to remain in appliances, windows & doors closed & engine running.
• Lockers should be kept locked.
• Maintain escape routes at all times.
• Vehicles should be positioned in a way to allow rapid withdrawal.
• Position safety officers/lookouts as observers to monitor for hostile behaviour.

(Policy 261, 5.7)

Question 7

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

What message should be sent to Brigade Control once the IC is satisfied that they have made a sufficient risk assessment and implemented control measures to allow fire fighting operations to commence?

Answer 7

A message should be sent to Brigade Control stating: civil disturbance procedures implemented, and outlining the situation, control measures implemented and any protection agreements reached with the police.

For example: “Row of terraced houses…….. civil disturbance procedure implemented, two Jets from hydrant in use. Situation is still not stable. Agreement with police bronze commander that he/she will issue a 10 minute notice if a tactical withdrawal is necessary. Tactical mode oscar”.

(Policy 261, 5.7)

Question 8

Public order and civil disturbance procedure

When briefing crews, what information should be included?

Answer 8

• Situation and areas affected.
• Information about the incident.
• If police are in attendance.
• Any special communications arrangements.
• The operational tactics.
• Safe access and egress routes.

(Policy 261, 6.1)