National Decision Model

Question 1

What are the steps of the NDM? (CIAPOAR)

Answer 1

Code of ethics
Information
Assessment
Powers and Policy
Options
Action and Review

Question 2

What is the information stage of the NDM?

Answer 2

• decision maker defines the situation (what is happening or has happened) and clarifies matters relating to any initial information and intelligence
• they could ask themselves what is happening, what do I know so far, what do I not know, what further information or intelligent do I want or need at this moment

Question 3

What is the assessment stage of the NDM?

Answer 3

• decision maker should assess the situation, including any specific threat, risk of harm and potential benefits.
• should consider preventing discrimination, promoting good relations and fostering equal opportunities
• decision maker could ask themselves the following questions: do I need to take action immediately, do I need to seek more information, what could go wrong/ well, how probable is risk of harm, am I the appropriate person to deal with this, what am I trying to achieve, is that level of risk acceptable, is this a situation for the police alone to deal with

Question 4

What is the powers and policy stage of the NDM?

Answer 4

• decision maker should consider the powers, policies and legislation which could apply in the situation
• they could ask themselves questions such as what police powers may be required, is there any national guidance covering this type of situation, do any local organisation policies or guidelines apply, what legislation may apply
• it may be reasonable to act outside policy as long as there is a good rationale for doing so

Question 5

What is the options stage of the NDM?

Answer 5

• the decision maker should consider different ways a decision can be made or situation resolved with the lowest risk of harm
• the decision maker may consider what options are open, immediacy of threat, limits of information to hand, amount of time available, available resources and support, impact of potential actions on the situation and the public
• you need to ensure that any decisions are proportionate, legitimate, necessary, ethical and reasonable in the circumstances

Question 6

What is the action and review stage of the NDM?

Answer 6

Action - decision makers should make and implement appropriate decisions
Should follow the steps of responding (implementing decision and informing relevant bodies), recording (record what you did and why) and monitor (what happened as a result of the decision, was it what you wanted or expected to happen)

Review - if the incident is over, the decision maker should review the decisions and ask themselves to hat lessons can be taken, what may be done differently next time

Question 7

What is the code of ethics?

Answer 7

The code of ethics set out policing principles that the police service are expected to uphold and the standards of behaviour they are expected to meet.

Throughout a situation, decision makers should ask themselves
- is what I’m considering consistent with the code of ethics
- what would the victim or affected community expect or me in this situation
- is this action or decision likely to reflect positively on my professionalism and policing generally
- could I explain my action or decision in public

Question 8

What are the nine principles of policing? (FIR HALOOS)

Answer 8

F - fairness
I - integrity
R - respect
H - honesty
A - accountability
L - leadership
O - objectivity
O - openness
S - selflessness

Question 9

What are the standards of professional behaviour in the code of ethics?

Answer 9

Honesty and integrity
Authority, respect and courtesy
Equality and diversity
Use of force
Orders and instructions
Duties and responsibilities
Confidentiality
Fitness for work
Conduct
Challenging and reporting improper behaviour