Basic Principles Applying When Offenders Are Armed

Question 1

When dealing with an armed offender or an offender believed to be armed, you should observe these basic principles.
1?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

2?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

3?

Answer 3

Caution is not cowardice

Question 4

4?

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

5?

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

6?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

7?

Answer 7

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