National Police Chiefs Council MODULE 14 User Guide 00 Introduction 01 Conflict Management 02 Use of Force 03 Medical Implications 04 Personal Management 05 Communication 06 Unarmed Skills 07 Handcuffing 08 Irritants 09 Batons 10 Limb Restraints 11 Searching 12 Role Specific Skills Edged Weapons 13 Role Specific Skills 14 Amendments 15 GO TO YOUR INTERACTIVE PERSONAL PERSONAL SAFETY MANUAL SAFETY GUIDE >> CONTENT
MODULE 14 Contents Introduction 03 Impact Factors 04 Dog Handlers 05 Dealing with Conflict Situations without PPE/WE 06 Covert or Under Cover Officers 06 Surveillance Officers 09 Section 2 Additional Equipment 10 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 10 CBRN 10 Marine Support 11 Work Equipment 12 Firearms Kit 12 Cell Skills 13 Types of Cell 13 Lighting 13 Floor Condition 13 Water Safety 14 Ships and Boats 16 Principles of Disarming 17 Spontaneous Disarms against Weapons Draw 25 2 College of Policing 2016 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, modified, amended, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the College of Policing or its representative (on behalf of NPCC). The above restrictions do not apply to police forces or authorities, which are authorised to use this material for official, nonprofit-making purposes only.
Introduction There are a great number of specialist roles within the Police Service. Some are conducted in addition to that of general patrol (public order, custody work), in support of front line policing (traffic, dog handler or as a specific task (firearms, surveillance). Each role brings with it specific implications to the personal safety of officers and staff. It is widely accepted that under such circumstances, the clinical application of some techniques can be seriously impaired where additional role specific, equipment or environmental impact factors apply. MODULE 14 Whilst it is impossible to cover every eventuality this section has been designed to assist in contextualising the numerous techniques and tactics held within the various modules of this manual. NOTE: The considerations in this section should not be viewed in isolation but in support of the techniques contained within the main body of this manual. It will assist in identifying those tactical options that may not be achievable or appropriate, or how techniques may have to be adapted to work for different roles, circumstances or locations. As with the application or adaptation of any tactical option this section highlights specific safety issues or considerations. The content of this section is not intended to replace any directions, policy or training provided for designated roles but is designed to support such role profiles and role specific guidance in respect of their personal safety. 3
MODULE 14 Impact Factors In broad terms these are likely to fall into the following three areas: 1. Role The role the individual performs e.g. mounted officers, dog handlers, and marine officers. 2. Equipment Any additional personal protective or work equipment officers may be required to wear or carry e.g. CBRN, public order, and firearms officers. INFO POINT This includes applying such skills without the availability of work equipment or Personal Protective Equipment e.g undercover or surveillance officers. Such impact factors are many and varied and can include such things as: The restriction of movement due to wearing additional kit or equipment Having to perform skills one handed Not carrying police issue equipment Dealing with subjects in difficult locations. It is likely that a number of these impact factors will apply to specific roles and circumstances. There will also be a degree of similarity between these impacting considerations, each of which will be looked at in more detail later in this module. 3. Environment Applying these techniques in a non-conventional operating environment, e.g. confined spaces, working at height, limited availability of support/ lone working, working in crowds, motorways/fast roads, aircraft, trains and other transport systems, and water based operations. When applying the National Decision Model, consideration should always be given to any of these additional impact factors and how they may alter the assessment of a perceived threat and therefore affect the selection of, or rejection of a specific tactical option. Note: For more information on working in a non-conventional operating environment in line with the National Decision Model 4 GO TO: MODULE 02: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Dog Handlers The entire range of personal safety skills is generally available to an officer deployed with a dog. Consideration must be given to the fact that the officer has responsibility for an animal, which they may have to control with one hand, whilst employing other personal safety techniques. This could impact on the performance of personal safety skills, including the delivery of strikes, in a number of ways: INFO POINT The mere presence of an officer with a dog may affect a subject s behaviour or crowd dynamics. The deployment of a dog can have a dramatic impact on a situation. SAFETY POINT If the officer should lose control of the dog it may inflict injury not only to a subject or member of the public, but to officers as well. Officers should therefore comply with any instructions/directions given to them by a dog handler. This may include keeping a distance from the dog, standing still or disengaging from a subject they are attempting to restrain. MODULE 14 5
MODULE 14 Dealing with Conflict Situations Without PPE/WE Dealing with conflict situations without any personal protective equipment and/or work equipment (e.g. body armour, batons, handcuffs, incapacitant spray), or with reduced access to it, presents its own set of challenges. Covert or Under Cover Officers Where officers may chose to utilise incapacitants, batons or mechanical restraints, staff employed on some duties may not carry such equipment. To carry such equipment would readily identify staff as police officers and may therefore compromise their safety, or it is impractical for them to carry equipment in certain circumstances, for example: Where they may be subject to being searched as a condition of entry to a venue or premises e.g. nightclubs, licenced premises or sporting venues. 6
Carrying out duties in a location where officers may not be authorised/ have jurisdiction to possess equipment e.g. prison visits. SAFETY POINT Officers engaged in these roles may also be required to carry firearms so this would be an additional safety consideration. MODULE 14 Where a specific risk assessment has been carried out in relation to their role and the carriage of police issue equipment e.g. ceremonial duties. 7
MODULE 14 Where it is impractical to carry bulky equipment e,g, the Olympic Torch Protection Team. Staff in these roles would have to depend more heavily on the application of the National Decision Model (good observational and threat assessment skills) and the use of unarmed skills, and may have to withdraw from a situation for safety reasons. INFO POINT Any skills used must not readily identify the user as a police officer as this may also compromise their safety. This may include standard tactics such as stance, verbal commands and restraints. 8
Surveillance Officers In addition officers employed on some duties may be inactive for long periods or have to remain in the same position for a prolonged time (e.g. observations). This may include being deployed in poor conditions possibly open to the weather and elements e.g. muddy fields or woods. The risk to officers employed on surveillance duties is increased if they are challenged or their identity or location becomes compromised. MODULE 14 9
MODULE 14 Section 2 Additional Equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The carriage or wearing of additional personal protective equipment may impact on the possible use of personal safety skills and the application of the National Decision Model. Some roles may place the officer at additional risk if they become involved in a physical altercation (e.g. chemical incidents). PPE can restrict movement CBRN or vision and can either reduce the effectiveness of a technique or render it impractical to use. Whilst not an exhaustive list some specific examples of the roles and type of PPE are shown below. INFO POINT CBRN = Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Officers deployed in a suspected chemical or biological incident carry the additional risk of exposure or contamination. 10
Life preservers/jackets, dry suites and headgear are a necessary requirement for any water based activity. Together with other protective clothing, an officer deployed on such duties will have restricted movement and vision in addition to other considerations around working in restricted spaces and on an unstable platform. M O D U L E 14 Marine Support For more information on water based environments GO TO: PAGE 16 11
MODULE 14 Work Equipment (WE) The carriage or use of additional work equipment may impact on the possible use of personal safety skills and the application of the National Decision Model. Consideration should be given to the retention of the equipment and any potential increase in risk to the officer or public, should control of it be lost e.g. firearms, TASER or knives. Work equipment may therefore affect the manner in which officers interact with subjects. Some examples of these roles may include air support, marine support, rope teams and other such specialist roles. Firearms (specialist firearms officer full kit) Apart from carrying more than one weapon (side arm, long arm and possibly TASER or other less lethal option) heavy duty body armour, respirators, ballistic helmets and goggles can impair vision and movement. 12
Cell Skills Working within a cell area is not an exact science however, by following a few basic rules officer safety can be greatly increased. Also many extractions, insertions and relocations can be pre-planned given sufficient time. The following elements should be considered when operating in a cell area. Types of cell There are literally thousands of police cells in use across the country, some of which are much older in design and build quality. They are all different shapes and sizes, and have a variety of furniture designs within them. Although there is a recognised specification for modern cells, which tend to be designed for full observation of detained subjects, some older models do not meet these requirements. SAFETY POINT Follow local bio-hazard and cleaning protocols regarding hazardous substances and body fluids. MODULE 14 Lighting Internal cell lighting should be maintained at a high level to ensure visibility and safety for officers and subjects. If this has been damaged, the use of hand-held torches or spotlights may be useful in certain extractions. This can also be used to temporarily disorientate the subject. Floor condition The type and condition of floor covering may vary from cell to cell. However it is important to consider that if the floor is wet from fluids (water, toilet contents or bodily waste products), then this may be potentially dangerous for both officers and subjects as they may lose their footing. Even a blanket placed on the floor could cause officers and subjects to slip. 13
MODULE 14 Water Based Environments Water based or marine environments bring with them a specific set of considerations. These include the risk posed should an officer or subject fall into the water, the unpredictable manner in which the platform officers are working on will react and some of the very confined and narrow areas officer may have to operate in. Water safety The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK has published a rescue sequence, where if followed, officers should be able to look after their own safety. However, if they have not received training in the latter stages of the sequence it will be the individual officer s responsibility to make a decision on their actions. THE RLSS UK RESCUE SEQUENCE: Shout Signal Reach Throw Wade Row Swim with an aid Swim and tow There is however, no requirement for officers to enter the water to affect the rescue of persons who have found themselves in difficulty, despite the expectations of some members of the public. This decision is entirely an individual one based on many factors, not forgetting their own ability (which is often overlooked in an emergency!). If they decide to enter the water this should be a last resort. If officers do find themselves dealing with a water based incident, they should, in the first instance contact force control and provide them with details of: Personnel in attendance Location Details of incident (numbers of persons etc) Any actions taken or to be taken by officers and other agencies. Note: For more information on water safety go to GO TO: www.rlssonline.com 14
MODULE 14 Then, with regards to the rescue a good general rule to remember is REACH OR THROW DON T GO! Other considerations Following any successful rescue, other factors also need to be considered and links again to safety and first aid need to be made. Hypothermia This occurs when the core body temperature is lowered below 35 C, which in this case may have been caused by sudden immersion in cold water along with the length of time they will have been there. Add into this equation the wind chill factor and the body may be dangerously cooled. Likewise if there has been alcohol involved within the same incident, this can further cool the body as the alcohol consumed will actually dilate the blood vessels. This in turn actually allows more heat to escape from the body. Prompt emergency first aid along with the involvement of other emergency services is paramount. REACH OR THROW DON T GO! SHOUT - This is the safest form of rescue as it relies on the use of voice and hand signals and avoids contact with the casualty in the water. Officers should use a shout and signal rescue when a casualty is conscious, close to the side and able to respond to instructions. REACH - This is a highly effective and safe method of rescue, as the rescuer remains on the land throughout. Officers should use a reach rescue when a land based rescue is possible. Officers can extend their reach by using equipment (both rigid like a baton or stick and non rigid like a jacket or belt). THROW - This rescue can be used over a considerable distance, it avoids direct contact with the casualty and makes use of a number of different rescue aids. The rescuer remains on land throughout. Officers should use a throw rescue when a land based rescue is possible, but the distance is unsuitable for a reach rescue. The equipment utilised can be anything suitable e.g. a buoyancy aid or rope. 15
MODULE 14 Ships and Boats Water based or marine environments bring with them a specific set of considerations. These include the risk posed should an officer or subject fall into the water, the unpredictable manner in which the platform officers are working on will react and some of the very confined and narrow areas officer may have to operate in. INFO POINT Weather and water conditions can also impact heavily on an officer s ability to apply certain techniques and skills. This can make surfaces slippery and hamper grip or control. GOOD PRACTICE Due to the deterioration of police equipment in water based environments, regular functionality checks should be carried out to ensure operational readiness. 16
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE Principles of Disarming The physical skill of disarming a presented firearm is based on 5 co-dependent principles, which seamlessly flow and can be adapted to most scenarios. MODULE 14 Subject Distraction Await or promote the distraction of subject Subject may start orchestrating the crime scene with weapon, pointing with the weapon off target Await the normal loss of concentration after 90 seconds or so if possible Get hands up to level of, and as close to, firearm where possible Avoid the flinch response of subject to sudden movements by keeping yourself moving Use communication skills, beg and plead, maintain a dialogue and personalise the interaction, try and maintain face-to-face communication 1 Keep moving, don t freeze; get your hands up near weapon sequence COMPLETE 17
MODULE 14 Get Off Target 1 Move rapidly out of the sight picture, step, turn or knee crumpling Minimise muzzling where possible move in a direction so that the weapon passes over the least amount of target 2 Move explosively and dynamically, avoid telegraphing move to subject Made sure that limbs are not left in front of the weapon 18 sequence COMPLETE
Gun Off Target 1 Grab and move the firearm, or weapon bearing limb or combination of both, or strike at the weapon bearing limb, and push it in the opposite direction to complement body movement Two hands to the weapon is best, remember if the weapon is not secured the subject can quickly articulate their wrist to regain a sight picture MODULE 14 2 If the weapon bearing arm is struck and remains free the weapon must be immediately secured, using a two handed catch/grab 19
MODULE 14 3 Remember that a grip of the slide and ejection port of a self loading pistol can render it a one shot or no shot weapon, and may well cause a weapon malfunction 4 Likewise, a firm grip of the cylinder on a revolver can prevent the weapon from cycling and discharging whilst so held 20 sequence COMPLETE
Secure Weapon 1 Clasp or grasp weapon MODULE 14 2 Short levers used against long levers 21
MODULE 14 3 Use body movement, rotation and synergy against subject s hand and finger strength 4 Ride the weapon down on a falling subject, or if weapon falls to floor consider distraction strikes to assist in controlling weapon 22 sequence COMPLETE
Neutralise Threat 1 Maintain control of weapon MODULE 14 2 Consider the use of Dysfunction, Distraction, and Mental stunning techniques to subdue subject 23
MODULE 14 3 Don t wrestle over weapon SAFETY POINT All firearms should be treated as loaded irrespective of the circumstances until proved safe by an authorised firearms officer. 4 Consider other tactical options, create distance, safely discard weapon, and remember a subject may immediately attempt to regain control of the weapon 24 sequence COMPLETE
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE Spontaneous Disarms against Weapons Draw MODULE 14 1 Subject stood face on and drawing from belt line 2 Use a dynamic and explosive movement to close gap Consider Distraction, Disfunction to the subject to prevent draw 25
MODULE 14 3 Consider continued Distraction and Dysfunction strikes Consider taking subject to ground Neutralise subject and Secure weapon 4 Subject blades to protect draw from belt line Use a dynamic and explosive movement to close gap Outside arm thrust into shooters triangle 26
5 Step to subject s outside MODULE 14 6 Entangled arm lock, or arm wrap trap 27
MODULE 14 7 Against a protected Draw 8 Use a dynamic and explosive movement to close gap Consider Distraction and Dysfunction to subject Parry lead arm aside Tackle or Smother subject, capture drawing arm and weapon Consider Distraction and Dysfunction to subject 9 Consider taking subject to ground Neutralise subject 28 sequence COMPLETE
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