Officer Survival

Question 1

Arms and Appointments:

Answer 1

A constable’s power to carry and use arms and appointments comes from common law.

Guidelines for police in the use of arms and appointments come from the NSW Police Force Handbook.

Question 2

Ten Fatal Errors (FAT MR T FFSP):

Answer 2

• Failure to recognise danger signs
• A lack of knowledge, apathy and/or complacency
• Taking a bad position
• Making false assumptions
• Relaxing too soon
• Tombstone courage
• Failure to handcuff
• Failure to watch hands
• Sleepy or asleep on the job
• Poor or no search

Question 3

Tactical Options (TOBACCO WFC)

Answer 3

• Tactical Disengagement
• Officer Presence
• Baton
• Active Armed Offender Tactical
• Conducted Electrical Weapon
• Contain and Negotiate
• OC Spray
• Weaponless control
• Firearm
• Communication

Question 4

S. 230 LEPRA

Answer 4

Use of force in exercising a power/function:

It’s lawful for a police officer exercising a function under this Act or any other Act or law in relation to an individual or a thing, and anyone helping the police officer, to use such force as is reasonably necessary to exercise the function.

Question 5

S. 231 LEPRA

Answer 5

Use of force in making an arrest:

A Police officer or other person who exercises a power to arrest another person may use as much force as necessary to make the arrest or to prevent the escape of the person after arrest.

Question 6

Use of Force Concepts:

Answer 6

Officer/Subject Factors: (FAGS SM)
• Fitness
• Age
• Gender
• Size
• Skill level
• Multiple officer/subjects

Special Circumstances: (GIMPS DID)
• Ground position
• Injury or Exhaustion
• Mental state
• Proximity to weapon
• Special Knowledge
• Disability
• Imminent danger
• Drugs/Alcohol

Question 7

Control Theory:

Answer 7

The ultimate goal is control of the situation.
You need advantage for control.
Evaluate the propensity for control –v– injury
(Reasonable force)
Ability to disengage, de-escalate the situation or respond to escalation is imperative.

Question 8

Justifications - Firearm:

Answer 8

Firearm:
You are only justified in discharging your firearm when there is an immediate risk to your life, or the life of someone else, or there is an immediate risk of serious injury to you or someone else and there is no other way of preventing the risk.

Question 9

Justifications - OC Spray:

Answer 9

Use defensive sprays only for:
• Protection of human life.
• A less lethal option for controlling people, where violent resistance or violent confrontation occurs or is likely to occur.
• Protection against animals.

Question 10

Justifications - Handcuffs:

Answer 10

Handcuffs:
The decision to handcuff rests with you. Officer safety is
paramount. Generally, you are justified in handcuffing prisoners only when they have tried to escape, or to prevent escape or injury to themselves or others.

Question 11

Justifications - Baton:

Answer 11

The decision to use your baton rests with you. You may use your baton if in danger of being overpowered or to protect yourself or others from injury. The force used must always be reasonable.

Question 12

Justifications - CEW TASER:

Answer 12

CEW TASER:
When considering the discharge of a CEW, officers should consider all tactical options available to them in the Tactical Options Model. Before removing the CEW from the holster, officers will assess if the deployment of the CEW is the best option for the prevailing situation having regard to the Criteria to
Discharge a Taser to:
• Protect human life,
• Protect yourself or others where violent confrontation or
violent resistance is occurring or imminent,
• Protect an officer/s in danger of being overpowered or to
protect themselves or another person from the risk of actual
bodily harm, or
• Protection from animals.

Question 13

Communication components:

Answer 13

Communication is made up of three components, words, body movement and vocal.

1. Words – actual words spoken, phrases and content. Making up 7% of the total message.
2. Body movement – body language, gestures, facial expressions. Making up 55% of the total message.
3. Vocal – tone, volume, intonation, pitch, pace. This makes up the remaining 38% of the total message.

Question 14

Tactical Communication:

Answer 14

ASK – an ethical appeal. Most people will respond to a direct
request from Police.
WHY – a reasonable appeal. Explain why you have made the request, what breach of law or conduct has caused your request.
OPTIONS – a personal appeal. Tell the person what they can expect to gain or lose. Create and present options for them. Such options may affect them in terms of money, family or reputation.
CONFIRM – a practical appeal. This is where resistance is confirmed and you tell them what is required. Following a refusal a confirming statement is: “Is there anything I can reasonably do or say to gain your co-operation?”
ACTION – Using an appropriate tactical option. Choose an option based on your perception of the incident as per the tactical options model.

Question 15

Body Alarm Reactions during Critical Incidents:

Answer 15

This is a contraction of the officer’s hand under stress, especially in response to any of the following three stimuli:
1. The Startle Effect – that is, being startled by a loud noise,
sudden appearance, etc.
2. Postural Disturbance – or loss of balance, if there is
something in or near your hand when you begin to lose your balance, you will clutch at it.
3. Exertion of Maximal Force – meaning that if you are wrestling with a suspect with your left hand, there is a tendency for the muscles of your right hand (holding your
handgun?) to contract at the same time.