Question
What training in working with Emotionally Distressed Persons (EMD) do new recruits to the service receive?
Answer
Within the PSNI all officers are mandated to complete an online (30 minute) training package in dealing with people who display Acute Behavioural Disturbance or ABD. This is prior to them attending face to face training in our Personal Safety Programme of PSP. ABD and persons suffering from mental health is becoming more prevalent. A person suffering from ABD or EMD can exhibit violent behaviour in a bizarre and manic way. It is essential that our officers are able to recognise the signs and symptoms to ensure the person can receive the required medical treatment, whilst ensuring that our officers are not injured as a result.
In answer to the specific question around student officer training, EMD is covered in a variety of subject areas which are detailed below. These inputs are spread across the 21 week programme and covered in a number of different tactical disciplines.
1. Basic Firearms Tactics:
- Stay safe principles (see, tell act) and transfer of malice.
2. D4 Emergency Search:
- Communicating effectively with the person to include identifying themselves as armed police, identify who they are speaking to and communicating in a clear manner.
- De-escalation options to include being prepared to provide space, the use of effective cover, and giving time for the person to comply. This allows the person to move and respond, allows for early negotiation in an attempt to create a sterile area for safety of the subject, officers and the public. It also allows time to consider less lethal options as opposed to having to resort to the use of a firearm.
- Students are taught how vulnerable people and those experiencing EMD may present and react i.e. responding in unexpected or unpredictable manners. If information suggests the presence of a vulnerable person or someone exhibiting EMD the officers interaction should be governed by giving TIME (to comply) and SPACE (not to seek an early resolution) to the person. The student is asked to consideration changing their style of communication if appropriate, giving time and space to diffuse tension, assess the vulnerability and allow the effects of alcohol and or drugs to wear off. This positive communication and contact allows the level of mental or emotional distress to decrease.
3. Judgemental training:
- Use of force legislation training.
- Human rights and Code of Ethics vis a vis use of force.
- Use of the National Decision Model (NDM) when considering tactical options and potential use of force, including the use of ICI (Identify, capability, intent) in the information and intelligence stages.
- Post Incident Management and appreciation of possible post traumatic incident responses.
4. Dealing with persons on foot:
- Individuals experiencing EMD may behave in unexpected, unpredictable, extreme or challenging manners. May be because of alcohol, drugs, mental health, extreme distress or the absence of medication.
- Vulnerable/EMD – our response to all incidents supports the Services commitment to diversity and treating everyone with dignity.
- Time and space considerations again covered as per the D4 lesson above.
- Human Rights and legislation/Common law powers covered.
- Provoked shootings explained, PSNI Manual of Policy, Procedure and Guidance on Conflict Management CH.9.405 and .406 referenced:
- The term provoked shooting refers to a situation in which a subject engages in life-threatening behaviour or criminal activity in an attempt to create a situation where a police officer will shoot them. However, it should not be assumed that every person who points a weapon at the police or makes statements about being armed, fully appreciates or intends the consequences of their actions or words.
- Where a person appears to be engaging in life-threatening behaviour or criminal activity with the intention of creating a situation where a police officer will shoot them, officers should consider how their communication with the person and their actions may be perceived. Officers should consider the full range of tactical options, including the use of less lethal tactical options
5. Dealing with persons in Vehicles:
- Code of Ethics and use of NDM re-enforced: self-control and use of appropriate language and behaviour.
6. Responsibilities of possession of a firearm:
- Discussion of the use of PPW to take your own life (over work/depression/relationship difficulties/stress).
- Availability of mental health services via Occupational Health and Welfare.
- Inspire Workplace services availability and their contact details.
- Post Incident Peer Support Team: their role/remit and availability and how to contact and arrange support.
Many other areas of the Foundation Faculty Student Officer programme cover vulnerability and emotional distress such as –
- Foundations module- Neurodiversity, suicide awareness, victims suspects and witnesses vulnerability and ASIST ( Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
- Criminal Justice Systems Model- Victim and witness assessment, cognitive interview model
- Investigative Skills- Burglary, Misuse of Drugs, Fraud
- Public Protection and Safety- Adult Safeguarding, missing person, domestic abuse, hate crime, sudden death, human trafficking, mental health, sexual offences and stalking
- PSP- Acute behavioural Disorder, National Decision Model, person and officer impact factors, tactical options available, de-escalation and communication.