🔒 Escort & Firearms Use – Study Notes Flashcards
(13 cards)
Justification for Firearm Use
• Only use if reasonable & necessary.
• Can discharge a firearm to protect life (self or others).
• Must positively identify the threat.
• DO NOT fire if there’s risk of hitting an unintended person.
✅ Example: Inmate pulls a knife on a nurse at a hospital – if no other option, and others are at risk, use of firearm may be justified.
🌍 Environmental Assessment
• Check if environment is safe to fire (e.g., not near public or crowded areas).
• Consider: surroundings, innocent people nearby, secure area?
🛡️ Response Capabilities
During escort, backup includes:
• Security Operations Group
• NSW Police
• Additional Correctional Officers
• Hospital Security
• EROC-qualified staff
📋 Inmate Profile
• Review inmate’s classification, behaviour, and health/mental needs.
• Be prepared for non-compliance or irrational behaviour.
✅ Example: Mentally ill inmate may not understand instructions—adjust your approach.
Firearm Capability
• Know your firearm: range, recoil, safety, muzzle velocity.
• Only trained officers may carry firearms.
🔐 Vulnerable Times on Escort
• Leaving/Entering Correctional Centre
• Travelling between locations
• Entering/Exiting escort vehicle
• At destination (hospital, funeral, court)
👮 Escort Team’s Role
Prevent:
• Escape or escape attempts
• Attacks on inmate or officers
• Contraband smuggling
🔗 Inmate Behaviour
Considerations
• May coerce public, resist, attempt escape, or act unpredictably.
• Ensure:
• Proper restraints
• Constant control
• Isolation if needed
Situational Awareness (Points of Dominance)
• Be positioned to see and control key areas (doors, exits).
• Keep view of inmate, staff, and surroundings.
• Secure a safe room if possible.
🧰 Tactical Options (Use what’s necessary & reasonable)
• Verbal commands
• Physical presence
• Open hand/Defensive tactics
• Instruments of restraint
• Chemical agents (OC spray)
• Firearm (last resort!)
• Tactical disengagement
• Contain & isolate
• Persuasion/Negotiation
🚨 Offender Types
• Armed or Unarmed
⸻
🏃 Apprehension/Attempted Escape
• Be alert to triggers or behaviour changes.
• Use verbal commands first.
• Adopt defensive stance.
• Use restraints or tactical options if needed.
• Relocate to a safe room if practicable.
• If inmate flees: Give pursuit!
• Firearm = last resort only.
🔺 Triangle of Safety
• Maintain 10m minimum distance.
• One officer draws firearm; others provide cover.
• Team mirrors inmate’s movements in all directions (like an elastic band).
• Communicate: “Stop where you are!”
✅ Used for high-risk or surrendering offenders.
📌 Key Reminders
• Be vigilant – notice anything unusual.
• Communicate clearly with team/inmate.
• Activate Body Worn Camera.
• Know the environment: entry/exit, who to contact.
• Know your tools: baton, cuffs, firearm, OC.
• Always maintain sight and sound of inmate.
• Work as a coordinated team.
