Evaluation of use of force

A strategic evaluation of the New Zealand Police position concerning the use of force when responding to potentially violent situations
A review of best practice, policy and training

P B Marshall
Detective Superintendant
Police National Headquarters

R N Shuey
Asistant Commissioner
Victoria Police

December 2001


Executive summary

The current New Zealand Police approach to the application of both lethal and non lethal force has been compared to aspects of international best practice. An assessment of the training package was also undertaken against the "National Minimum Guidelines For Incident Management, Conflict Resolution and Use of Force" as prepared by the then called, National Police Research Unit in Australia.

Discussions with strategically placed personnel and a review of lesson plans, course outlines and other instructional material has determined that the content is consistent with the previously mentioned best practice for a progressive, professionally managed Police organisation. Written training guidelines assessed were all properly focused on the tactical options with emphasis on "Maximise Safety - Minimise Risk". The future success and integrity of the programme, however, must be maintained through strict adherence to the training policy and certification of all members carrying batons, OC spray and firearms.

The reviewing officers believe that the proposed national staff safety data base will underpin and form the basis for New Zealand's strategic direction in assessing and dealing with critical instances. It will be the intelligence system, feed-back loop and driving force behind future training, policy direction and equipment initiatives. Without this nationally based system the New Zealand Police cannot progress in an informed and meaningful manner.

Imperative to the development of safe and accepted practices, is adherence to the Staff Safety and Tactical Training (SSTT) programme by all operational personnel. It is also crucial that the training package is both maintained and evolving in nature and that there is District accountability for ensuring attendance is met in a timely manner. The programme would be enhanced by a more defined quality assurance regime initiated to include structured feedback from operational personnel and the accreditation and monitoring of trainers.

Attendance by Police at incidents requiring the use or potential use of lethal force requires skill and experience. The reviewing officers believe that a broader range of responsibilities by current Armed Offender Squads, coupled with a name change similar to 'Tactical Response Groups' would add another positive dimension and a greater capability between general uniform branch attendance and current AOS involvement to support front line attendance. The intention would be to increase their range of less than lethal options and enhance their resolution capacity.

Command and control issues will be very apparent in the event of lethal force being used by Police. To that end there needs to be a high level of accountability before, during and after critical incidents. Command and control needs to be concise, clear and unambiguous. The current Communications Centre role needs to be clearly defined in relation to its responsibilities in these situations.

Also central to this review, is the need to learn from all major operational incidents by way of timely and comprehensive debriefs (separate from the Police Complaints Authority and criminal investigations), for the benefit of training personnel and for ultimate implementation by Districts.

The overall concept of the major recommendations is encapsulated at Appendix A where revised policy and procedures clarify the standards and the staff safety data base identifies current activities and trends. Ongoing training is directly responsive to operational needs and enhanced Tactical Response Groups complement operational members at critical incidents with the basic philosophy of "Maximise Safety - Minimise Risk". Other single issue recommendations on procedures, weapons and defensive tactics are also submitted for consideration.

The evaluation undertaken offers a strategic platform upon which to ensure alignment with international best practice and continuous improvement in both the training and operational environment.

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Table of contents

Executive Summary
Recommendations
Introduction
Methodology
Environmental Scan
Issues Pertaining To Recommendations
    1. National Staff Safety Data Base
    2. Role of Armed Offender Squads
    3. Command Issues - Communication Centres
    4. Criminal Liability Investigation
    5. Critical Incident / Debriefing
    6. Staff Safety Tactical Training and District Accountability
    7. Training and Certification
    8. Less Than Lethal Options / Project Lincoln
    9. Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
    10. First Aid Kits
    11. Lethal Force - Breath / Blood Testing Procedures
    12. PR 24 and ASP Batons
    13. Carotid Hold
    14. Glock Pistols
Conclusions / Future Directions
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D

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