Unit 2: Operational Safety Training Flashcards
1: Use of Force
Describe Police Scotland’s criteria for use of force and relevant policies
Proportionate Legal Accountability Necessity Ethics
Forced used must be proportionate, legal, accountable, necessary and ethical, and the minimum amount requruired to accomplish the lawful objective.
Indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.
1: Use of Force
Use of Force relevant legislation
Use of force is unlawful unless justified.
Use of force is justified for self defence, or defence of another (not property), and for for the achievement of a lawful objective (i.e. arrest).
Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2013
The duty of a constable:
- To prevent and detect crime
- To maintain order
- To protect life and property
- To take lawful measures to bring offenders to justice
- To serve and execute warrants
Common law powers also allow use of force for self defence and protection of others.
1: Use of Force
Explain the relationship between the ECHR and the responsibilities of Police Scotland
Human Rights Act sets out key provisions in the following articles:
Article 2 - Right to life
Article 3 - Right to freedom from torture
Article 5 - Right to liberty
Police officers must balance the above against the need to detain and arrest offenders. The PLANE mnemonic helps to set out the best way to approach this.
2: Conflict Management
Explain the principles of the National Decision Model
Gather intelligence Assess the threat/risk and develop plan Consider powers and policy Identify options and contingencies Implement plan and evaluate
2: Conflict Management
Explain the principles of threat assessment, including dynamic risk
Assessing any person, object or place that may pose a threat to officer safety.
Assess:
Identity
Capability
Intent
Maximise safety
Minimise risk
Preserve the scene
Gather evidence
2: Conflict Management
Risk categories
High risk
Unknown risk
No such thing as low risk
Means, Intent, Ability and Opportunity to do harm places the officer in Jeopardy
2: Conflict Management
Warning and danger signs presented when confronting people
Warning signs:
Direct eye contact Facial colour darkens Head back Subject stands tall to maximise height Kicking the ground Large movements Breathing rate accelerates Stop/start behaviour
Danger signs:
Fists clenching Facial colour pales Lips tighten over teeth Head drops forward towards throat Eyebrows drop to protect eyes Hands raised above the waist Shoulders tense Stance changes from square to sideways Subject breaks their stare and looks for intended body targets If the subject is out of breath, the final signal will be a lowering of their entire body before moving forward to attack
2: Conflict Management
Resistance Levels
Compliance Verbal Resistance and/or Gestures Passive Resistance Active Resistance Assaultive Resistance Serious/Aggravated Resistance
2: Conflict Management
Dynamic Risk Assessment
8 guidelines
Duty to protect/preserve life
Awareness of physical limits - never take unneccessary risks
Advise someone what they are doing, and try to get support before doing it
Seek information and advice
Apply correct procedures
Record decision making process as soon as practicable
Supervisors and managers are there to assist and offer guidance
2: Conflict Management
Describe Police Scotland Operational Safety Training Tactical Options Model
PLANE at the center of everything Warning/danger signs Profiled offender behaviour Impact factors Assess/reassess risk Action: - Empty hand techniques - Baton - PPE shield - Irritant spray - Leg restraints - Specialist tactics - Tactical positioning - Tactical communication - Officer presence - Disengagement - Handcuffs
2: Conflict Management
Stay Safe Principles
The deployment of AFOs should only be authorised in the following circumstances:
Where the officer authorising the deployment has reasons to suppose that officers may have to protect themselves or others from a person who:
- Is in the possession of a firearm or lethal weapon
- Is otherwise so dangerous that deployment is appropriate
- As an operational contingency in a specific operation (based on threat assessment)
- For the destruction of animals which are dangerous or suffering unnecessarily
General tactical options to be considered:
Waiting Mitigating action Observation Investigative assessment Containing the area Communication Decisive action
Consideration for the ECHR at all times (particularly Article 2)
Stay Safe Use the National Decision Model Do not approach unnecessarily Use cover Consider safe approach / escape routes Consider the safety of others Wear correct PPE
2: Tactical Communications
Explain the principles of tactical communications
Communication is a two-way process, and is made up of:
Words (7%)
Vocal (38%)
Body language (55%)
Active listening, engagement and empathy
2: Tactical Communications
Five Step Positive Style of Tactical Communication
Ethical Appeal Reasonable Appeal and Explain Personal Appeal and Options Practical Appeal - Confirmation Action
2: Tactical Communications
5 occasions where Tactical Communications may fail
Security - When there is immediate danger to any subject
Attack - When officers are under attack
Flight - When the subject is trying to flee
Excessive - Repition - When obvious that voluntary compliance isn’t happening
Revised priorities - When the encounter changes and requires a different response
2: Tactical Communications
The assault cycle
Trigger phase Escalation phase Crisis phase Recover phase Post crisis depression phase
Subject may be re-triggered at any point, particularly when moving through escalation, crisis and recovery phases
2: Tactical Communications
The attitude cycle
Your manner
Affects their attitude
Which in turn affects your attitude
Which affects their manner
2: Tactical Communications
The chemical cocktail
During conflict the body releases several chemicals
Adrenaline
Endorphins - Painkillers
Dopamine - Neurotransmitter to boost signals
Noradrenaline - Causes vasoconstriction (blood flow to the core)
Cortisol - Hormone which reduces effects of shock
Taken together these chemicals can provide the following:
Increased strength Increased pain threshold Increased awareness and focus Muscle tightening Visual slow down Tunnel vision Post incident fatigue
2: Tactical Communications
Compliance and Submission Signals
Open body language Relaxation of muscles Signs of exhaustion/sweating/being out of breath Falling onto knees Not always true in all cases
2: Tactical Communications
Factors affecting communications
Disability Environment Selective perception (confirmation bias) Cross-cultural communication Drugs/alcohol
2: Tactical Communications
De-escalation strategies
Appearing calm, and self assured Modulated, low tone of voice Do not be defensive/judgemental Be aware of available resources Be respectful Do not argue Give choices/empower
2: Tactical Communications
De-escalation strategies
Appearing calm, and self assured Modulated, low tone of voice Do not be defensive/judgemental Be aware of available resources Be respectful Do not argue Give choices/empower
2: Tactical Communications
De-escalation strategies
Appearing calm, and self assured Modulated, low tone of voice Do not be defensive/judgemental Be aware of available resources Be respectful Do not argue Give choices/empower Don't get loud/shout Respond selectively Explain limits and rules in an authoritative but respectful tone Empathise with feelings, not behaviour Suggest alternative behaviours Explain consequences without threats Trust your instincts Do not point your finger Do not smile
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Explain the dangers of positional asphyxia
Likely to occur when a subject is left in a position that restricts breathing for an extended period.
Risk factors include: Age Health Weight Alcohol/drugs Exhaustion Respiratory illness
Symptoms include: Cyanosis Agonal breathing Beavioural changes Panic Stating that they cannot breathe
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Dangers of acute behavioural disorder, and control measures
Agitation/aggression Abnormal physiology Delerium Abnormal stregnth Abnormal pain tolerance Abnormal stamina Non responsive to commands
Recognise that ABD is a medical emergency and take appropriate action
If possible, in contained spaces, allow the subject space to move around
Seek to restrain and control the subject with the minimum necessary force (verbal de-escalation unlikely to work) and then move to a seated, kneeling or standing position to prevent positional asphyxia
Speak in a calm fashion and explain what is happening
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Dangers of neck restraints
Pressure on the front of the neck restricts breathing
Pressure on the sides of the neck restricts blood flow to the brain
Damage to the trachea, thyroid cartilage
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Dangers of handcuff neuropathy and control measures
Damage to the main nerves in the wrist
Bruising and/or cuts
Sprains/strains to the muscles
Breakage of the bones
Important to check the correct tightening of the cuffs has been applied, that double locks have been applied, that wrists are positioned correctly and not bent back, and that when moving the subject around the wrists are protected.
Struggling/resisting as well as falling etc, can all lead to these kinds of dangers too
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
The medical implications of deploying irritant spray
Twitching/spasming of the eyelids
Respiratory inflammation - coughing/shortness of breath
Skin irritation/discomfort
Skin blistering
Recovery in around 15 minutes after being exposed to fresh air
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Medical implications of empty hand techniques
Potential to cause strains/sprains Hyper extension type injuries Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones Soft tissue injury Blunt trauma
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Medical implications of baton/empty hand strikes
Death
Serious injury/disability
Broken bones (skull, ribs, neck/spine)
Damage to organs - kidneyes, spleen, groin, bowel
Damage to muscles and soft tissues in extremities, broken bones etc
Stick to green areas and avoid red areas
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Mental health guidance
View and respond to subjects suffering from a mental health issue in terms of vulnerability wherever possible.
Avoid inappropriate force
Communicate clearly, empathetically, and respectfully
Use open body language and acknowledge distress/anger without resorting to anger or escalation
Listen, ask, explain, paraphrase, summarise
Give realistic options
5: Tactical Positioning
Stances
Low profile, basic stance
Ready/interview stance
Defensive stance
Offensive stance
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
The Fighting Arc
Covers 90 degrees in front (and behind the subject).
Therefore, officers should approach from the side or maintain a 4-6 reaction gap off the shoulders.
Avoid standing directly in front, or behind, a subject.
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Zones and tactical positioning
Zone 1 - Close contact, one foot or less away from the subject
Zone 2 - Mid range, 1-3 feet of distance from the subject, or full arm extension
Zone 3 - Extended range, within a baton’s length
4: Medical Implications and Mental Health
Characteristics of ABD
Delirium
Agitation or aggression
Abnormal physiology
