Chief Constables’ Council FOI/NPCC Miscellaneous/089 19 Part 5.pdfFrom – Supt Nigel Goddard -...

Chief Constables’ Council

Title: Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEP) and Public Order

17 April 2019 / Agenda Item: 4.2 Security Classification

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Author: CC B J Harrington

Force/Organisation: Essex/NPCC Public Order/Public Safety Lead

Date Created: 20/03/19

Coordination Committee: Operations

Portfolio: NPCC Public Order/Public Safety & Conflict Management

Attachments @ para 2.4, 3.1, 3.1.2 and 3.1.4

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1. HEADING E.G. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

1.1. As part of a wider review of all public order tactics commissioned by the Public Order and Public Safety

(NPOPS) working group Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEP) have been affirmed as an appropriate

and fit for purpose tactic within College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP). This

includes authorisation, command, training and equipment, although currently only handful of forces

train the tactic and there is no readily available regional capability that can be mobilised.

1.2. This paper seeks NPCC agreement and support to ensure this tactical options is operationally available

to all forces across England and Wales through NPoCC.

1.3. Scotland has made the decision that they do not wish this tactic to be available at this time.

1.4. This paper does not include AEP use as a Less Lethal Option in a firearms scenario as there are specific

separate tactics for this scenario D19.1 & D19.2. Any reference to AEP in this paper is for use as a public

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order tactics. Equally this paper does not rely on the outcome of current work to find a replacement

for AEP in dealing with threats between 5m and 50m that is being developed by the Less Lethal

Weapons working group. 2. BACKGROUND

2.1. Use of AEP as a public order tactic has existed in the menu of tactical options for many years, although

never used outside of Northern Ireland. Even during the 2011 riots where the harm thresholds were

probably met, the tactic was not called upon.

2.2. AEP remains the only public order, short of conventional firearms, for remotely dealing with a threat at

distance within a public order scenario.

2.3. *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

2.4. A review of AEP Public Order Tactics was carried out by Superintendent Nigel Goddard in his role within

NPoCC and due to his first-hand experience of use as a public order commander in PSNI. A copy is

within Appendix A.

3. REVIEW FINDINGS

3.1. In order to establish a baseline level of national capacity and capability a survey was undertaken of

forces and relevant stakeholders. This sought information about which forces have the capability, their

capacity as well as seeking views as to whether the AEP tactic should be retained. Regional POPs leads,

Public Order and Firearms Training Departments, the College of Policing POPS team and National

Armed Policing were all consulted. Survey Report at Appendix B.

3.1.1 **S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

3.1.2 The criteria, authorisation process, deployment and use of AEP as a public order tactic are contained

within the College of Policing National Police Public Order Training Curriculum Module E5 –

Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEP) and Firearms in Public Order). The content has been reviewed

and refreshed by the College POPS team in March 2019. It remains appropriate and relevant for

command, control, deployment and use of this tactic at all levels. Appendix C.

3.1.3 The survey findings indicated 2/3rds of senior respondents felt that the tactic should be retained and

should be available as a capability at the Regional level. Currently this capability would be available

through Mutual Aid via NPoCC however given the very small numbers and geographical spread of the

resources spontaneous availability would be limited.

3.1.4 Authorisation and Command and Control of AEP deployments are covered within Public Order APP and

the E5 Curriculum. Whilst this this remains fit for purpose the very infrequent use of this tactic outside

Northern Ireland means that a restatement of the authorisation levels and procedure for issue,

deployment and use is required. This can easily be done via a command briefing letter from NPCC

POPS lead to accredited Gold and Silver POPs Commanders. Appendix D.

3.1.5 Current AFO training does NOT routinely include the use of AEP in a public order scenario. Only AFOs

who are trained to deliver either Armed Response or Armed Support to Public Disorder are able to

deliver AEP in a public order setting. In addition there are a number of officers in some forces trained

solely to use AEP.

3.1.6 The authorisation for deployment and use of AEP as a public order tactic are very different to that when

deploys a Less Lethal Option alongside conventional firearms. Whilst the tactical modules contained

within both the firearms and Public Order curriculums (D19 and E 5 respectively) set out how

Command is deconflicted between firearms and public order deployments, the infrequency of use

and lack of commander familiarity has the potential to lead to command and operator confusion

National Police Chiefs’ Council

*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security** Although operating in a public order environment AFOs will not need to undertake full public order

training if they are either Armed Response or Armed Support to Public Order trained (D19.1 and

D19.2 trained). Officers who are not D19.1 or D19.2 trained would at this stage require L2 Public

Order training. This is something that could be reviewed once a decision on the recommendations

has been taken.

3.1.7 Whilst some forces do maintain a specific capability to deploy AEP in public order the consensus is that

making the capability available at a regional level for mobilisation through regional or national mutual

aid was the most appropriate. In order to facilitate this there are two options available to regions with

either delivering the desired capability.–

Option 1:

*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security** Option 2:

*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

3.2. APPROVAL OF THE COORDINATION COMMITTEE

3.2.1. Following recommendation from the NPCC NPOPS working group this has been endorsed by NPCC

Operations Coordination Committee.

3.3. STATEMENT/DETAILS OF COST OR RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

3.3.1. *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

3.3.2. *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security** 3.3.3 *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

3.3.4 In terms of resource requirement the APP states that 2 AEP teams are identified as the minimum

capacity for the tactic to be considered available. Two teams equates to 10 officers. In deciding what

Regional capacity is required Regional leads would use their STRA, however a minimum of 2 trained

teams would be the minimum level to be maintained by the Region.

3.3.5 There is a cost implication for use of AEP rounds that cost c.£28 each. Over 90,000 are purchased each

year for training, use as a less lethal option and for public order. It is not anticipated that this will

require significant extra purchases.

3.3.6 AEP launchers are available in each force within armed policing commands as well as in public order

units where forces have the dedicated capacity. Although there is work underway to consider

purchase of new lighter launchers there is no additional requirement to purchase them to support

regional capability and the recommendation within this paper.

3.3.7 As part of the implementation of the recommendation of this paper College of Policing POPS team

would carry out quality assurance across the regions as they currently do for all public order training.

4 CONCLUSION

4.1 AEP remains an authorised and effective tactic in a public order tactic within College of Policing APP and the

only tactical option to deal with a non-firearm threats at a distance.

4.2 It is the assessment from the NPOPS working group informed by regional leads that this tactic needs to be

trained and available at a regional level for use by forces when the criteria are met.

4.3 PSNI retain and have available this capability. Police Scotland do not wish to have AEP available in a public

order scenario.

4.4 *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

4.5 There would be no additional equipment costs and whilst there would be some additional training costs

these would be minimal given the small given the small numbers involved.

5 Recommendations

5.1 NPCC affirm support for use of AEP as a public order tactic in line with COP APP.

5.2 NPCC endorse the need for a regionally based capability for use of AEP as a public order tactical option in

line with COP APP and associated training material in line with this paper.

5.3 NPCC endorse and support the delivery of a minimum capability of two teams of 5 officers in each region.

5.4 NPCC agree that provision of the capability would be made through existing mobilisation agreements at

regional and national level through NPoCC.

Name B J Harrington Title Chief Constable Lead Area Public Order, Public

Safety and Conflict Management

Subject - Report Concerning a Review of AEP as a Public Order Tactical Option

To – CC BJ Harrington – NPCC POPS Lead

From – Supt Nigel Goddard - NPoCC

Background

AEP as a specific Public Order tactic has existed in the menu of tactical options for many years,

however outside of Northern Ireland the tactic has not been used in the United Kingdom since the

1980’s if ever, even during the 2011 riots and serious widespread disorder where the harm

thresholds were probably met the tactic was not called upon.

The tactic comes with a significant amount of doctrine governing both its use in terms of the

operation of the system, training standards and requirements and its command and control. For a

system so infrequently made available and never used it is appropriate to review whether it remains

a relevant tactical option and if retained how it should be available to public order commanders.

On taking up his role as NPCC Public Order and Public Safety lead, Chief Constable BJ Harrington

commissioned this short review setting the following aims and objectives –

Terms of reference

Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEP) and Public Order

Aim

• To review the tactics of AEP within Public Order.

• To ensure the tactics are fit for purpose and contained in the College of Policing Guidance.

Objectives - AEP

1. To ascertain, develop and agree the physical tactic for the deployment of AEP alongside a PSU

in Public Order

2. Ascertain the level of training required and ensure an agreed training programme takes place

for PSU and Baton Gunners.

3. To achieve clarity around authorisation, deployment and Command.

4. Make recommendation as to how the tactic will be available nationally.

*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security, S24 National Security, S27 International Relations & S38

Health & Safety**

Objectives – Taser

5. To ensure use of Taser as a tactical option is referenced in the Tactics review and any guidance

signposted through the Public Order APP.

Method Superintendent Nigel Goddard, NPoCC volunteered to conduct this short review, consultation was

undertaken with College of Policing Operations Team, National Armed Policing, TTEWG, Regions and

Forces to address the specific objectives.

In order to establish a baseline level of national capacity and capability a short survey was undertaken

of relevant stakeholders.

The survey results are summarised at Appendix A

Findings

Objective 1

• To ascertain, develop and agree the physical tactic for the deployment of AEP alongside a PSU in

Public Order

The physical tactics for authorisation, deployment and use of AEP as a public order tactic are

contained within the College of Policing National Police Public Order Training Curriculum Module E5

– Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEP) and Firearms in Public Order.

This Module (Version 1.2) was written in 2015. A review of content and refresh has been completed

by the College POPS team in March 2019 for this review.

The content of the module is assessed as remaining appropriate and relevant for command, control,

deployment and use of this tactic at all levels.

Objective 2

• Ascertain the level of training required and ensure an agreed training programme takes place for

PSU and Baton Gunners.

The training programme is contained within the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum. There

are two ‘roles’ – The AEP System Operator (Gunner) and the AEP Commander. A review of the training

delivery time for the 3 Forces delivering this training to non AFO’s has identified differences in contact

time for delivery of the module –


There are no stipulated minimum contact hours within the curriculum. The curriculum sets the

minimum standards and the classification requirement; firearms or suitably qualified Public Order

training teams design the local program to meet the requirements for students.

Objective 3

• To achieve clarity around authorisation, deployment and command.

The authorisation, deployment and command protocol are contained within the APP and the E5

module and is attached at Appendix B

The issue to address here is how this information is embedded given the infrequency of use.

Options

(a) A Command Briefing letter from NPCC POPS lead to all College accredited POPS Commanders

at Gold and Silver level.

(b) Available as part of NCALT CPD package for Gold/Silver Commanders.

(c) Covered in annual POPS C7 CPD

Recommendation

Given the requirement to consider this piece of work in relation to EU Exit contingency planning

(objective 5)

1. A Command Briefing letter to all accredited POPS Commanders be undertaken in the

first instance. See attached draft at Appendix C

Objective 4

• Make recommendation as to how the tactic will be available nationally.

The survey conducted as part of this review has established that only 5 Forces in UK currently have

AEP as a Public Order tactic capability. These are –


The AEP Unit

E5 curriculum outlines the constituent resource elements of the AEP Unit –


Which resource could provide the capability –


Options for AEP Units -


Of key importance is keeping a clear distinction between a firearms deployment where

authorisations and command and control are distinct from a public order deployment of AEP. This is

established in relevant firearms and public order doctrine.

Recommendation


Other Considerations

Interoperability

There are two aspects to interoperability in relation to deployment of AEP Units –


Public Order Training Requirement


Recommendation


West Midlands Model – Firearms Support Unit


Conclusion


Objective 3


Recommendation


For information and consideration.

Nigel Goddard

Superintendent

NPoCC

March 2019.

Appendix B

AEP Capacity and Capability Survey

Summary of Questionnaire.

Sample and Response rates.

A total of 143 questionnaires were circulated. The sample included –

All Regional POPS leads

Force POPS leads

Regional and Force Public Order SPOCs

TTWEG representatives College

of Policing POPS team

Chief Firearms Instructors.

This was a fairly comprehensive sample of the those involved in this area.

Response Rate

75 responses were received equating to 52%.

A manual check of responses indicated that all Regions had responded and from analysis of the

responses it was possible to establish with confidence the current national position with regard to

capacity and capability of AEP as a Public Order tactic.

Summary of results

The table below summarises the current national capability and capacity picture.


Commentary


Deployment & Usage


Future Retention and Delivery of tactic


Appendix C

Subject - Command Briefing Note - Attenuating Energy

Projectiles (AEP) – Command Protocols

To – Accredited Gold and Silver POPS Commanders

From – CC BJ Harrington NPCC POPS Lead.

Commanders

The purpose of this individual communication is to provide you with a Command Briefing containing

the relevant command protocol information you will require as a POPS Commander should you ever

require to seek authorisation, deployment and use of the AEP tactic in a Public Order situation.

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary and proportionate to deploy officers equipped with

attenuating energy projectiles (AEPs), but without conventional firearms, to situations of serious

public disorder. AEP is intended for use as an accurate and discriminating projectile, designed to be

fired at individual aggressors, whether such aggressors are acting on their own or as part of a group.

It is not designed for use as a crowd control tool.

Deploying AEP to situations of serious public disorder is outside the scope of conventional firearms

authorities and should be authorised and commanded by appropriately trained and accredited public

order commanders.

Authority levels to make AEPs available for operational purposes

• officer of at least the rank of assistant chief constable/commander.

Authority levels to use

• once the authority to make AEPs available for operational purposes has been granted, the

authority to use them lies with the silver commander

• the silver commander keeps the authority to use AEPs under constant review and liaises with

bronze commanders and the personnel using the AEPs operationally

• in Northern Ireland, PSNI local operational instructions may contain additional requirements

as deemed appropriate by the chief constable, in order to meet local legislative and oversight

arrangements.

Criteria for use

• officers trained in the use of AEP may be deployed in situations of serious public disorder

where its use is judged to be necessary to reduce a serious risk of:

– loss of life or serious injury, or

– substantial and serious damage to property where there is, or is judged to be, a sufficiently

serious risk of loss of life or serious injury to justify its use

• in assessing the risk of loss of life or serious injury occurring in a public order situation, the

risks to police officers, members of the emergency services, members of the public and others

should be taken into account

• chief officer to submit a written report to the home secretary as soon as is practicable.

Other considerations

• also referred to as ‘impact rounds’

• warning messages of impending use should be given and recorded

• medical assistance and aftercare procedures

• impact on the community and media interpretation

• must only be used by trained officers

• the discharge of an AEP launcher initiates post-incident management procedures

• use of force legislation may apply

• the L104A2 launcher system is not authorised or deployed for use in Scotland in public order

situations unless as part of an authorised firearms operation.

Please ensure that you understand and are conversant with these protocols, and in particular the

differences in authority levels between Public Order AEP usage and as a Less Lethal Option in a

Firearms deployment.

Should you require any further information please contact the College POPS Team or your Regional

Public Order Training Team.

For information and compliance.

BJ Harrington

Chief Constable

NPCC Public Order Public Safety Lead.

March 2019.

National Police Public Order

Training Curriculum

Module E5

Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEP)

& Firearms in Public Order

Version 1.2

OFFICIAL College of Policing

© College of Policing 2015 Date: 29/01/15

OFFICIAL

NPPOTC E5 Version 1.2 2

© - College of Policing Limited (the College) 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, modified,

amended, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any

means, without the prior written permission of the College or its representative.

The above restrictions do not apply to Home Office police forces who are licensed

by the College to copy and use this material for policing purposes within the

police service of England and Wales. Some restrictions apply and forces may not

copy or use any part of this material for audiences other than Home Office police

personnel, distribute to third party providers (including Higher Education or

Further Education) or use for commercial purposes without obtaining written

agreement, in the form of a licence extension, from the College.

The College of Policing is committed to providing fair access to learning and

development for all its learners and staff. To support this commitment, this

document can be provided in alternative formats by contacting the Uniformed

Policing faculty via the below email

[email protected]

The College of Policing is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

Every effort has been made throughout this text to avoid exclusionary

language or stereotypical terms. Occasionally, to ensure clarity, it has been

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For additional copies, or to enquire about the content of the document, please

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For copyright specific enquiries, please telephone the College of Policing

Control Page Distribution list

Version Recipient Title Location



OFFICIAL


V1-10 Ps Oldroyd Module E5 AEP/Firearms in PO S drive

COLLEGE OF

POLICING

Description Document reference Revision



OFFICIAL


Change control

Version Date Record of change Authority Evidence of

approval

V12 23/7/12 Formatting LO numbers,

added warnings section,

added “or AEP” to LO 3

T/C/Insp

Thomas ACPO

ACPO working

group

minutes

V1.0 29/04/13 Rebranded Insp Spence

V1.1 11/11/13 Graphics, added C+C Ps Goodyear

V1.2 29/01/15 Amended graphics and

refresh

Mark

Goodyear

Controlling documents Table of Contents

A. Target Groups ...................................................................................

5

B. Module Summary ..............................................................................

5

C. Learning Outcomes ...........................................................................

7

D. Module content .................................................................................

8

E. Reading List ...................................................................................

37

F. Delivery Method ..............................................................................

38

G. Pre / Co-requisites ..........................................................................

38

H. Progression Routes ..........................................................................

38



OFFICIAL


I. Assessment ....................................................................................

38

J. Role Profile .....................................................................................

39

K. National Occupational Standards .......................................................

39

L. Legislation including variances for Scotland and Wales .........................

39


© College of Policing 2015 Date: 29/01/2015 OFFICIAL


A. Target Groups

The target group is those officers who may work with firearms officers or officers

equipped with Attenuated Energy Projectiles (AEP) launchers in public order

situations. On completion they will be competent for deployment in a public

order role in a spontaneous or pre-planned operation and for deployment in a

mutual aid role.

B. Module Summary

The aim of this module is to provide the appropriate knowledge, understanding

and skills required to achieve competency to be deployed in pre-planned or

spontaneous public order and public safety events supported by or supporting

AEP or Firearms.

Overarching themes throughout this document are the European Convention on

Human Rights, Human Rights Act 1998 and the wider use of force individually or

collectively. These themes must be delivered throughout all aspects of this

module.

At the end of this module students / learners will be able to use the tactics

described and apply them in the workplace.

Module A2 Underpinning Public Order Knowledge and Core Themes

It is not intended to revisit each of the Public Order Core Themes in this or every

module of the E Specialist Tactical Modules, as the required learning outcomes

have been outlined and described in module A1, A2, B1 and B2 of the NPPOTC.

Module A2 of the NPPOTC, in particular, details underpinning legislation and the

use of the National Decision Model (NDM) which need to be taken account of in

the context of the tactics / options outlined in this and the other Modules.

Rationale




There are three levels of deployment where firearms including attenuating

energy projectiles (AEP) launchers may be used in conjunction with public order

units.

Public Order AEP Armed Response to Public Disorder Armed

Support to Public Disorder

Public order policing operations may encounter or anticipate a threat that

requires the deployment of armed officers. Such deployments of armed

resources in support of a Police Support Unit (PSU) may offer effective control

measures to mitigate the assessed threat.

Appropriately trained and authorised officers providing an armed capability to

public order policing may operate from Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs),

ballistically protected vehicles (BPVs) or other suitable vehicles and should be

appropriately dressed and equipped.

The National Police Firearms Training Curriculum (NPFTC) module covering these

areas comprises of two units. D19.1 considers an initial limited response that

may be provided by ARV officers or other Authorised Firearms Officer (AFOs)

and is known as armed response to public disorder. D19.2 provides a more

comprehensive embedded response and increased capability known as armed

support to public disorder. D19.1 is the foundation unit that must be completed

prior to D19.2.

The use of public order AEP teams / armed officers in public order operations has

the potential to engage one or more articles under the European Convention on

human rights (ECHR), including the right to life (article 2), the prohibition

against torture and inhuman or degrading punishment (article 3), the right to

liberty (article 5), the right to respect for private and family life (article 8),

freedom of expression (article 10) and freedom of association and assembly

(article 11).’

Any use of AEPS or armed officers should be part of the wider policing operation

and in line with any strategic objectives and part of the graduated response.




The use of such tactics should be documented and any use activated taking

account of the operational policing context and assessed using the National

Decision Model (NDM). This provides a model for rationalising the decision

making process and managing a reasonable and proportionate response.

The use of public order AEP / armed officers is not an alternative to the use of

other police tactics but a supporting tactical option to reduce conflict.

Commanders should continue to consider all available options in line with the

NDM.

Where there are circumstances requiring the use of these tactics, any use must

be in accordance with (or proscribed by) the law and used for a legitimate

reason. The use of such tactics must also be necessary and must be a

proportionate response to the threat posed. Any force used should be the

minimum required to resolve the conflict.

Any authorisation for tactical use should be in line with Authorised Professional

Practice (Public Order and Armed Policing APP) and be capable of meeting the

speed required for the deployment with continual re-assessment of the

deployment and use paramount.

C. Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes have been identified where the practitioners at

the end of this module should be able to:-

• Describe the command and control structure for AEP and Firearms in

Public Order

• Describe composition and capability of public order AEP only response

• Describe composition and capability of armed response to public order

• Describe co-ordinated tactical movement during armed response to public

order and public order AEP deployment

• Describe composition and capability of armed support to public order

• Describe co-ordinated tactical movement with armed support to public

order or consolidated public order AEP units




D. Module content

1. Command and Control

Command structures for a policing response, particularly where an incident

occurs without notice, need to be flexible and will often be dependent on a

Forces structure and the ready availability of suitably trained and accredited

commanders. The command structures and considerations suggested within this

module are intended to provide sufficient scalability and flexibility to implement

a structure which is most achievable and appropriate to their forces response.

The implementation of an effective command structure for the incident or event

will be the responsibility of the gold commander.

Where a firearms threat emerges during an outbreak of spontaneous disorder, it

is likely that the police response will initially be commanded by an accredited

public order silver commander. The silver commander will assume overall

tactical command of the incident. Where this individual is also an accredited

Tactical Firearms Commander (TFC) they may also assume that role in respect

of the deployed armed officers.

Where the overall silver commander is not an accredited TFC, or where the

nature or scale of the operation requires a separation of the tactical command

roles, a separate TFC, operating at a Bronze level, should be appointed. As soon

as practicable, a gold commander should be contacted. The gold commander

will assume overall strategic command of the incident.

Where the gold commander is also an accredited strategic firearms commander

(SFC) they may also assume that command role in respect of the deployed

armed officers. Where the overall gold commander is not an accredited SFC, or

where the nature or scale of the operation requires it, a separate SFC should be

appointed to work to the event gold commander who retains overall command of

the operation.




In order to ensure an effective implementation of the tactical plan the Silver will

need to provide clear direction regarding the command protocol which identifies

geographical and tactical responsibilities.

The schematic below (figure 1) represents a suggested command structure

which may be implemented in the initial stages of an incident.

Figure1

Where such a command structure has initially been implemented, transition to a

more robust command structure, such as the one below (figure 2), should be

considered as soon as practicable.

Figure 2

Gold/Strategic Firearms Commander (SFC)

Public Order Silver / Tactical Firearms

Commander ( TFC )

Armed Officers

Operational Firearms Commander OFC ( )

Public Order Bronze

Police Support Units ( PSUs )




This command model may be appropriate in the following circumstances. Either

building on the original command structure in place following an outbreak of

spontaneous disorder where a firearms threat has emerged and the command

and policing response has been consolidated, or for a planned public order event

where a contingency is required in response to low risk firearms threat. It is

imperative that clear command protocols are established as soon as possible.

Where this command structure is implemented the development of an effective

working relationship between the operational firearms commanders OFC(s) and

relevant police support unit (PSU) commanders will become vital to achieving a

successful resolution to the incident.

If the event gold commander is accredited as both a public order gold and SFC it

may be appropriate for them to assume overall strategic command of the entire

operation. Where this is not the case, an accredited SFC would be required to be

appointed to deal with the firearms issues, but working to the overall event

(public order gold)

Event ) Public Order ( Gold / SFC

Event (Public Order) Silver

Bronze One Geographical Public

Order

Bronze Two Geographical Public

Order

Bronze Three TFC

Located with Silver ) (

PSU(s) PSU(s) TFC Ground Assigned

) Optional (

OFC(s) Armed Response OR A rmed Support Units

Separate SFC ( ) if required




The event silver commander must be a trained and accredited public order silver

commander and would coordinate the tactical plan to ensure that they reflect

and work within gold’s strategy.

Where the above structure is implemented the firearms bronze commander

would be an accredited TFC who would be co-located with the event silver

commander so as to be best placed to discharge their duties, whilst contributing

and advising as to the effective coordinated deployment of and firearms assets

with PSUs

Where a ground assigned TFC is utilised, the remotely located TFC is able to

maintain a greater understanding of the event strategy and tactical plan and

consider the implications that a public order response plan may have, either

geographically or tactically, on the firearms tactical plan. This will enable the

firearms tactical plan to be developed and reviewed where necessary in order to

achieve the relevant priorities within that strategy.

The ground assigned TFC can provide clearer direction and leadership at the

scene, and also allows the tactical plan to be achieved with a greater

understanding of the operational context and potential constraints that exist.

In the event that a force or operation is able to deploy an event silver

commander who is accredited and trained as both a TFC and a public order silver

commander, and the scale and complexity of the specific operation enable that

individual to discharge the responsibilities of both roles, then it may not be

necessary to deploy the additional operations room based TFC as described

above.

The public order bronze commander(s) involved in the event must be trained

and accredited in that role.

If armed support to public order units are deployed then a ground assigned

bronze, who would be dual accredited and trained as both a TFC and public

order bronze commander, will be embedded as the commander of that unit for

both PSUs and firearms officers.




If only armed response to public disorder units are deployed, then this ground

assigned bronze role may or may not be deployed dependant upon the specific

circumstances of that incident/operation. Where they are deployed under those

circumstances, they must be an accredited TFC but may also be trained and

accredited as a public order bronze commander.

Public Disorder - environmental & operational considerations

All armed officers deployed in situations of public disorder have a variety of

options to mitigate potential threats including less-lethal options and

conventional firearms. Dealing with armed subjects within public order situations

may present numerous difficulties for armed officers.

Information/intelligence indicating the presence of an armed subject may come

from a variety of sources. These may include:

• Officers on the ground

• CCTV

• Air support

• Covert intelligence sources

• Intelligence resulting from social media

• Reports from members of the public

Whilst intelligence described above may identify and/or locate the threat, in

situations of public disorder it may be very difficult to identify or locate it prior to

the actual criminal discharge of a firearm. It may be that a firearm is discharged

and not immediately recognised due to:

• Size of crowd

• Movement of crowd

• Use of cover

• Other missiles

• Noise

• Lighting conditions

• Topography

• Sensory overload




The first warning sign may be injuries to officers or members of the public,

damage to shields/police equipment, or other indicators.

Where commanders are considering the deployment of AEPs or firearms in

response to intelligence they should consider that police actions may prompt an

escalation of the threat. This may be a particular issue in geographical areas

where criminals have ready access to firearms.

Firearms incidents within area of disorder

Where a firearms incident has been identified within an area of disorder then it

will be necessary for PSUs to take and hold the surrounding ground, thereby

creating a sterile area within which firearms resources can deploy to deal with

the incident.

If the disorder also includes a firearms threat then firearms tactics can be used

to take and hold the surrounding ground, creating a sterile area within which

firearms resources can deploy to deal with the incident.

The continued deployment of the resources maintaining this sterile area may be

required until the conclusion of the firearms deployment and safe extraction of

the firearms resources

2. Describe composition and capability of public order AEP only response

In situations of serious public disorder an officer of at least the rank of Assistant

Chief Constable or Metropolitan Police Commander should authorise the

availability of officers armed with AEP for operational purposes.

Once the authority to make AEP available has been granted, the authority to use

AEP lies with the silver (tactical) commander. The silver commander should keep

the authority to use AEPs under constant review and liaise with bronze

(operational) commanders and personnel using the AEP operationally.

Decision making on deployments will be based on use of the NDM.




AEP is intended for use as an accurate and discriminating projectile, designed to

be fired at individual aggressors, whether such aggressors are acting on their

own part or as part of a group. It is not designed for use as a crowd control tool.

Officers armed with the AEP who are to be deployed within a public order

situation should be fully trained to undertake the role within that context as

prescribed within the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum (NPFTC) and

the National Police Public Order Training Curriculum (NPPOTC)

Criteria for Use

Officers trained in the use of AEP may be deployed in situations of serious public

disorder where its use is judged to be necessary to reduce a serious risk of:

• loss of life or serious injury or

• substantial and serious damage to property where there is judged to be:

• a sufficiently serious risk of loss of life or serious injury to justify its

use.

In assessing the risk of loss of life or serious injury occurring in a public order

situation, the risks to police officers, members of the other emergency services,

members of the public and others should be taken into account.

A chief officer is required to submit a written report to the Home Secretary as

soon as is practicable after use

Should it be necessary to deploy officers armed with an AEP in a public order or

any other situation in Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland

(PSNI) operational instruction will be in accordance with this guidance and

include additional requirements as deemed appropriate by the Chief Constable of

PSNI to meet local legislation and oversight arrangements.


Figure 5




Commanders should consider crowd reaction to deployment of the AEP and have

an appropriate response planned.

Medical aid should be provided to any individual struck by an AEP. However, it is

acknowledged that within a dynamic public disorder environment this may be

difficult to achieve. This could be as a result of:

• The subject making off

• The subject being removed by other persons

• The continued level of violence offered by the crowd

• The crowd obscuring the subjects location

As a consequence of the dynamic environment in which AEP is likely to be

deployed consideration should be given to the use of evidence gathering teams.

AEP words of command


Warning Messages

If the decision is made to deploy the AEP capability (or any use of force) then

prior to any deployment warning messages should be considered.

The commanders will, having made their ground assessment and if the strict

criteria are met then issue the following warning:

“Attention , Attention this is a Police warning, disperse immediately or

impact rounds will be used”

This warning should be given as many times as is reasonable and practicable in

the circumstances, ensuring that the police intention to deploy and / or the use

of force are clearly communicated.




The officer giving the warning will be dictated by the circumstances and is

therefore not prescriptive; the importance being a clear warning is given.

Consideration must also be given to the first language of the crowd, so that the

warning was clear to all persons present. (For example considering the use of

another language speaker being present)

The way in which this warning was delivered should be fully recorded and it is

good practice for this warning or warnings to be fully recorded by an Evidence

Gathering Team (EGT) at the time.

Final Warning

“Attention, Attention this is a Police warning, disperse immediately or impact

rounds will be used. No further warnings will be given”


3. Describe composition and capability of armed response to public

disorder

The main purpose of armed response to public disorder is to provide a dynamic

response to minimise the risk to the public and maximise the safety of PSUs

where armed support to public disorder is unavailable.



Due to the nature of public disorder it may be difficult to contain a subject(s) in

a conventional manner. This may be determined by crowd reaction and

dynamics.

Deployment and composition

There are two situations where an armed response may be considered:





The number of officers required for any deployment is usually identified through

application of the NDM during the planning phase. *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National

Security**

* PBP –Personal Ballistic Protection

(* LLO –Less Lethal Option)

4. Describe co-ordinated tactical movement during armed response to

public disorder or public order AEP deployment

The tactical movements described below and the implications and considerations

for PSU officers apply equally in respect of deployments of either armed

response to public disorder officers or public order AEP gunners.

Figure 9


Figure 10


Figure 11


Figure 12


5. Describe composition and capability of armed support to public

disorder


6. *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**





Advancing to Shield Line

PSU Withdrawal


Figure 14


Taking and Holding Ground

Figure 15


Taking and holding junctions


Figure 16A Core firearms units

Figure 16 B AEP units


Supporting movement of other resources


Casualty recovery

Where there is a requirement for the armed support/public order AEP unit to

recover a casualty, having taken the ground, a BPV can be positioned to

maximise the protection it affords to the casualty. The casualty can then be

transferred to the vehicle and withdrawn to a place of safety to facilitate

treatment.

Vehicle tactics- considerations

• *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**




• The safety of officers on foot, in proximity to the police vehicles, must be

considered.


• The armed support/public order AEP unit commander should be aware

that the proactive use of vehicles to achieve tactical objectives may

impact upon the crowd and potentially create an adverse reaction.

• *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**

• If the crowd withdraws as the vehicles move forward the ground could be

taken up by police resources.

• The dynamics of the crowd should be assessed as to whether it is acting

as one, in groups or as individuals.

Vehicle Tactics – words of command

E. Reading list

The following publications contain knowledge that will enhance the achievement

of the outcomes.

• National Police Public Order Training Curriculum

• HMIC (2011); Rules of Engagement. A Review into the August 2011

disorders (reference

http://www.hmic.gov.uk/publication/ruleshttp://www.hmic.gov.uk/public

ation/rules-engagement-review-august/engagement-review-august/)

F. Delivery method

When delivering the outcomes of this module the following methods will be used.

Delivery and Training at each Public Order Training Centre will be by accredited

trainers complying with module G2, National Standards for Public Order Trainer

and Module G3 (Standards Tactics and Training )at an appropriate training

venue.

http://www.hmic.gov.uk/publication/rules-engagement-review-august/












• Knowledge check questions testing learning at previous modules for

modules A1,A2 B1 and B2 NPPOTC

• EDIP

• Referral to Module A2 Under Pinning Public Order Knowledge NPPOTC

G. Pre / co-requisites

• Relevant Command training and accreditation in relation to public order

command roles.

• Module B2 Level 2 public order officer

H. Progression routes

There is currently no further progression for this module.

I. Assessment

Each force will use a competency based framework for quality assurance of

trainers and training delivery to ensure that the outcomes of this module are

achieved. This will be overseen where appropriate by the College of Policing

Public Order Team (Specialist Operations, Uniformed Policing Faculty)

Oral examination and Practical application – Group work, walkthrough and

demonstration.

J. Role profile

There is no specific role profile associated with this module. Role profiles

relating to AEP gunners and firearms officers are contained in the NPFTC.

K. National occupational standards

Though there are no specific national occupational standards for this role.




L. Legislation including variances for Scotland and Wales

See module A2 Underpinning Knowledge NPPOTC.


© College of Policing 2015 Date: 29/01/2015 OFFICIAL NPPOTC E5 Version 1.2 23

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