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: (7 principles)

Answer 1

• conduct an ongoing TENR assessment during the course of the incident
• it is better to take the matter too seriously than too lightly
• caution is not cowardice
• 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.
• Never go necessarily into danger. However, if the offender is acting in a way that makes casualties likely, Police must act immediately to prevent this.
• Treat all offenders or offenders believed to be armed, as dangerous and hostile unless there is definite evidence to the contrary
• When practical, Police should not use a firearm unless it can be done without endangering other persons.