TENR(RS,tICOP,eSS, nA(N), rD(R), PITT Flashcards
Threat Assessment Matrix
T
Threat - means any individual/s, or any act/s, or
anything/s likely to cause harm or that have the
potential to hinder Police in the performance of their
duties.
E
Exposure - means the potential for harm (physical or otherwise) to people, or the security of places or things. Exposure can be mitigated through assessment and planning.
N
Necessity - is the assessment to determine if there is a need for the operation or intervention to proceed now, later or not at all.
R
Response - means the proportionate and timely execution of Police duties aided by the appropriate use of tactics and tactical options.
2nd R
Risk - means the effect of uncertainty on Police objectives
combining the consequences of an event and the associated
likelihood of that event occurring.
S
Suspect - means a person who poses a threat of harm to
themselves, other members of the public or Police.
I
Assessing the Threat!
Intent - In regards to a suspected offence, consider the situation and/or the suspect’s likely intent by asking yourself:
- What crime(s) has been
committed/detected/signalled? - What current offending is being investigated?
- Is this a continuing threat?
- What is the likely current state of mind (based on
their actions) and mental health of the suspect? - How committed is the suspect to achieve the criminal
aim? - Is there propensity for violence / anti-social behaviour
if confronted? - Is the suspect under the influence (or likely to be
under the influence) of any substances? - What is the history of criminal activities and
associations? - What do Police know about the suspect?
C
Capability - In regards to a suspected offence, consider if the suspect is physically capable of carrying out the threat by asking yourself:
- Is there a history of firearm (or other weapon)
possession or use? - Does the suspect have knowledge of and access to
counter-surveillance, computer or other electronics
equipment? - Does the suspect own or have access to motor
vehicles? - Has the suspect been imprisoned, involved in criminal
activities and associations, or do they have
knowledge of law enforcement process or procedures? - Was the suspect ever targeted by Police?
- Does the suspect have known co-offenders,
associates, gang affiliations/associations? Will they
influence the suspect’s behaviour? - Does the suspect have family, neighbours and others
that can provide information or influence the
suspect’s behaviour? - What do Police know about the location?
O
Opportunity - In regards to a suspected offence, consider what means or opportunity the suspect has to carry out any unlawful intention or threat by asking yourself:
- Does the suspect have the capability or means (e.g.
firearm) with which to carry out the act? - Is the suspect anywhere near the intended victim?
- Does the location support the suspect’s intent?
P
Physical Environment - In regards to any situation, consider the physical environment Police are entering into and what risks are present within that environment. These may be risks associated with a suspect, other persons in the environment, physical terrain, weather and lighting conditions, fires, chemicals, gases or other environmental
factors:
- Are there problems with the approach, exposure, or
access to the location? - Does the terrain, vegetation, obstruction, or other
issues create hazards? - If approaching a suspect’s house, is it likely the
location is fortified, secured by alarms, lights, other
measures, guarded by dogs, or are there other
hazards? - Has the location ever been used as a ‘clan lab’ or
does it pose a biological/safety hazard? - How far away is additional support for the suspect?
- Are other subjects involved, or likely to become
involved, and what are their capabilities?
1st S
Assessing the Exposure!
Safety - Consider the type of injury or harm that could occur to Police employees or the public, including victims, family and passersby. Ask yourself:
- How close are Police and others to the threat posed by the suspect or situation, and how will Police control that threat? For example, where a suspect’s capability extends to the use of firearms, Police must consider how close to the source of that threat Police and others should be.
- Is there potential for force to be used against an employee or the public?
- Is there a likelihood of harm from any source during the intended deployment?
- Do Police have the appropriate resources (staff, tactical options) available to manage the threat? How far away is additional support?
- Am I current in training? Do I have the right skills for this situation? Do I have current and working equipment to protect me and others?
- What are the likely outcomes of the proposed Police action?
2nd S
Security - Consider the security of the operation which, if not properly managed, could lead to failure. Ask yourself:
- Are your communications secured?
- Is there potential to lose or damage Police equipment?
- Can cordons be established and maintained to contain the subject(s)?
A(N)
Assessing the Necessity!
Every Police deployment must be timely and proportionate to the threat and the exposure. Ask yourself:
- Is it appropriate to delay the response?
- Have you identified the suspect?
- Do you have processes and controls available to de-escalate the threat to a manageable level?
- Are you trained and skilled to meet the threat?
- Do you have all the resources you need to respond safely and effectively now or, should I delay the response until the right resources are available?
- Is there a clear chain of command?
- What are the consequences to Police and/or public in delaying the response?
Important: Any option must reasonably endeavour to maximise safety and minimise risk.
D(R)
Developing a Response!
Before you respond:
Discuss your intended response with your supervisor where the necessity to respond permits.
Consider the options available to you based on threat, exposure and necessity, and plan a response that is timely, proportionate and appropriate. Ask yourself:
- Should you delay action until other resources, skills or equipment are available? Remember that caution is not cowardice, and there may be good reasons to cordon and contain the subject while awaiting the arrival of specialists - e.g. AOS, PNT.
- Is a more detailed investigation into the threat environment required before you can act safely?
- Do you need to take prompt action to prevent further loss of life or
injury?
Remember that even in active situations you must first carefully assess the situation and make decisions, based on appropriate and approved risk assessment methods, and supported
by your training and experience.
Note: Remember that in active response situations you must
continuously reassess your response based on the situation as it unfolds, and the subject’s behaviour.
PITT
Police Integrated Tactical Training
