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
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 –
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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 –
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
The AEP Unit
E5 curriculum outlines the constituent resource elements of the AEP Unit –
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Which resource could provide the capability –
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Options for AEP Units -
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Other Considerations
Interoperability
There are two aspects to interoperability in relation to deployment of AEP Units –
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Public Order Training Requirement
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Recommendation
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
West Midlands Model – Firearms Support Unit
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Conclusion
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Objective 3
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Recommendation
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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.
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Commentary
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Deployment & Usage
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Future Retention and Delivery of tactic
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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
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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
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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
necessary to refer to an individual by gender.
For additional copies, or to enquire about the content of the document, please
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Version Recipient Title Location
OFFICIAL College of Policing
© College of Policing 2015 Date: 29/01/15
OFFICIAL
NPPOTC E5 Version 1.2 3
V1-10 Ps Oldroyd Module E5 AEP/Firearms in PO S drive
COLLEGE OF
POLICING
Description Document reference Revision
OFFICIAL College of Policing
© College of Policing 2015 Date: 29/01/15
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NPPOTC E5 Version 1.2 4
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
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I. Assessment ....................................................................................
38
J. Role Profile .....................................................................................
39
K. National Occupational Standards .......................................................
39
L. Legislation including variances for Scotland and Wales .........................
39
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 )
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Figure 5
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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
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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.
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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”
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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.
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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:
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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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
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Figure 10
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Figure 11
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Figure 12
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
5. Describe composition and capability of armed support to public
disorder
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
6. *S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Advancing to Shield Line
PSU Withdrawal
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Figure 14
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Taking and Holding Ground
Figure 15
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Taking and holding junctions
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Figure 16A Core firearms units
Figure 16 B AEP units
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
Supporting movement of other resources
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
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**
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• The safety of officers on foot, in proximity to the police vehicles, must be
considered.
*S31 Law Enforcement & S24 National Security**
• 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.
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• 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.
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L. Legislation including variances for Scotland and Wales
See module A2 Underpinning Knowledge NPPOTC.
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