ecdp0018 - Incident Management/Intervention Model (Text)

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT / INTERVENTION MODEL

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Response - Enforcing the law - Incident and Risk Management [Incident Management / Intervention Model]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Principles Underlying the Model
CAPRA and Risk Assessment
Categories of Resistance of Individuals
Threat Cues
Response Options
Decision Making Rationale for Selecting a Particular Intervention Strategy

PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE MODEL

Recognizing the inevitability of the volatility and stress involved in situations of potential violence; and recognizing that a number of factors ranging from the threatening behavior of some individuals to the vulnerability of potential victims may aggravate the stress involved in the situation, the following principles apply to determining whether and how to intervene in a policing situation:

The primary objective of any intervention is public safety.
Police officer safety is essential to public safety.
The intervention model must always be applied in the context of a careful assessment of risk.
Risk assessment must take into account: the likelihood and extent of life loss, injury and damage to property.
Risk assessment is a continuous process and risk management must evolve as situations change.
The best strategy is to utilize the least amount of intervention to manage the risk.
The best intervention causes the least amount of harm or damage.

CAPRA AND RISK ASSESSMENT

As a police officer, your role in an intervention is to ensure that the public is safe. Police safety is essential to public safety. If something happens to you, you will not be able to help others. In order to decide the level of intervention that is appropriate, you will have to assess the level of risk to the public and yourself and the potential for reducing it. This assessment should include both how likely it is that someone or something might be hurt or damaged and how or whether the police officer should intervene given the seriousness of the harm or damage that might be caused. These are often difficult decisions and the more adept you become at assessing risk, the more readily and appropriately you will respond under urgent circumstances.

The Incident Management/Intervention Model displays CAPRA on the cap of the police officer. This is because risk assessment is a problem solving strategy and the assessment should be done in light of client needs and potential partners. The model displays only the levels of resistance of the suspect. All other SITUATIONAL FACTORS, for example, criminal record, weapons, size and number of police officers vs. suspects, presence of bystanders, would be taken into account as part of CAPRA.

There may be seven key stages at which you will assess risk when responding to incidents:

Information gathering
En route
Arrival
Approach
Entry
Interior
Exit

Not all stages apply to all situations; each situation must be analyzed individually.. For example, in some cases, situations may occur on encounter, so the "En route" and "Arrival" stages would not be involved. In others, you may intervene in a situation which is occurring outside so the "Entry", "Interior" and "Exit" stages would not be involved. The table below presents a list of common factors to consider at each of the seven potential stages of an incident. Obviously, the list is not exhaustive and each situation must be analyzed individually. The table also presents the response options available at each stage. All options are available to a police officer at each stage and selection of an option would depend on the level of risk to the public and the police. Finally, the table presents police responsibilities at each potential stage of an incident.

Since situations evolve, you should be continually assessing risk. The behaviours you are responding to and situational circumstances may change. The reasonableness of the option selected, therefore, may change at any point in the intervention.

1. INFORMATION GATHERING

RISK ASSESSMENT
	Factors to be Considered	Response Options	Police Responsibilities
1. Information Gathering	location - isolated, populated, kids in vicinity, etc. injuries manner of arrival (foot, cruiser) size physical capabilities of those involved number of persons involved whether drugs or alcohol are involved whether suspect is armed diversity issues the emotional state of individuals involved related previous record availability of backup partners available to assist (e.g. ambulance, counsellors, translators, fire department, Hydro, gas) number of officers at the scene potential impact of your presence potential impact of how you are dressed potential impact of equipment worn	Visualization Officer Presence (white) Partnerships Verbal Intervention (blue) Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow) Intermediate Devices (fushia) Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange) Impact Weapons (purple) Lethal Force (red) Tactical repositioning (grey)	Get the information: CPIC/PIRS checks, 5 Ws and how Plan

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2. EN ROUTE TO THE SCENE

RISK ASSESSMENT

Factors to be Considered

Response Options

Police Responsibilities

2. En Route to the Scene

Patrol Driving

Emergency Response
Closing the Distance
Pursuit

**Factors are cumulative

location e.g. school zone, urban or rural area
volume of pedestrian/vehicle traffic in the area
seriousness of the situation
time of day/visibility
weather conditions
road conditions
your own driving skills
your state of alertness
all of the above factors
Provincial legislative requirements
The risk of harm to the safety of the public and police increases with the distance, speed or length of time that you are exercising the privileges extended by Provincial legislation
all of the above factors
are there reasonable grounds to believe an offence is being or has been committed
the seriousness of the offence
all of the above factors
is the driver of the suspect vehicle failing to stop and attempting to evade apprehension
the seriousness of the offence
can apprehension be made by other means and/or at a later time
the age of the driver and any passengers
the manner in which the vehicle is being operated
use of stopping devices

Visualization
Officer Presence (white)
Partnerships
Verbal Intervention (blue)
Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow)
Intermediate Devices (fushia)
Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange)
Impact Weapons (purple)
Lethal Force (red)
Tactical repositioning

watch for suspect/suspect vehicle
ensure appropriate partners (e.g. ambulance, counsellors, translators, fire department, Hydro, gas) are contacted to assist
visualize
broadcast to other units / neighbouring detachments
ongoing risk assessment of the situation
activate all emergency equipment
ongoing risk assessment of the situation
activate all emergency lights
siren will also be used if risk assessment indicates a risk to public safety
ongoing risk assessment of situation
activate all emergency equipment
immediately inform dispatch (OCC)
supervisor to take control
only a primary and secondary unit to be involved in the pursuit
only a fully marked police vehicle equipped with light bar and siren to be used unless absolutely necessary to protect life
a firearm must not be discharged at a vehicle in motion from a Police Vehicle in motion
a civilian passenger is not in the pursuing police vehicle
do not ram or force a vehicle off the roadway unless risk assessment justifies
ongoing risk assessment of the situation

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3. ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE

RISK ASSESSMENT
	Factors to be Considered	Response Options	Police Responsibilities
3. Arrival at the Scene	availability of cover impact of announcing your arrival (use of emergency equipment) security of vehicle to ensure means for leaving presence of public and related security urban rural crisis zone	Visualization Officer Presence (white) Partnerships Verbal Intervention (blue) Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow) Intermediate Devices (fushia) Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange) Impact Weapons (purple) Lethal Force (red) Tactical repositioning	go 10-7 out of car wait for back-up if required vehicle and yourself don't park right at scene - use cover for don't announce arrival , e.g. emergency equipment or loud talk secure vehicle re-assess situation

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4. APPROACH TO THE SCENE

A RISK ASSESSMENT
	Factors to be Considered	Response Options	Police Responsibilities
4. Approach to the Scene	level of resistance of the suspect availability of cover or concealment environment escape routes whether weapons are involved seriousness of the situation availability of backup time of day/visibility weather (extreme cold to heat-fogging of glasses) whether victims are still present size of the officer vs. others involved in the incident physical capabilities of the officer vs. those of others involved officer's experience ability to negotiate level of alertness(fatigue) of the officer number of persons involved diversity issues whether drugs or alcohol are involved the emotional state of individuals involved	Visualization Officer Presence (white) Partnerships Verbal Intervention (blue) Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow) Intermediate Devices (fushia) Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange) Impact Weapons (purple) Lethal Force (red) Tactical repositioning	stop, look, listen move slowly move quietly target - don't expose yourself to danger make yourself as small as posible perform a window check officer in front uses flashlight in left hand if seriousness of situation warrants, have weapons drawn continually assess be aware of cross fire darkness providing concealment could be an advantage or disadvantage do not silhouette self

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5. ENTRY

RISK ASSESSMENT
	Factors to be Considered	Response Options	Police Responsibilities
5. Entry	level of resistance officer presence availability of cover layout of building whether weapons are involved whether victims are still present sounds of violence or anger diversity issues size of the officer vs. others involved in the incident physical capabilities of the officer vs. those of others involved officer's training and experience officer's ability to negotiate level of alertness(fatigue) of the officer number of persons involved whether drugs or alcohol are involved the emotional state of individuals involved time of day distance between officer and the suspect - the further the distance the more time a police officer will have to react	Visualization Officer Presence (white) Partnerships Verbal Intervention (blue) Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow) Intermediate Devices (fushia) Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange) Impact Weapons (purple) Lethal Force (red) Tactical repositioning	plan/communicate don't expose yourself to danger - partner covers you stand at either side of door - stand sideways listen quiet communication identify yourself do not knock loudly as loud sounds may escalate tension if invited in - don't assume everything is okay let your eyes adjust to the light move from dark to light use light go in one at a time ensuring safety for your partner who will follow, i.e. leap frog in and scan room twice scan people in room (clothing, hands) re-assess use of mirrors do not silhouette self proper positioning of sidearm, slightly towards ground at side, centre of body at belt buckle, third eye concept button hook entry

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6. INTERIOR

RISK ASSESSMENT
	Factors to be Considered	Response Options	Police Responsibilities
6. Interior	officer presence level of resistance of suspect availability of cover layout of building whether weapons are involved whether victims are still present diversity issues distance between officer and the suspect - the further the distance the more time a police officer will have to react size of the officer vs. others involved in the incident physical capabilities of the officer vs. those of others involved officer's training and experience officer's ability to negotiate level of alertness (fatigue) of the officer number of persons involved whether drugs or alcohol are involved the emotional state of individuals involved	Visualization Officer Presence (white) Partnerships Verbal Intervention (blue) Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow) Intermediate Devices (fushia) Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange) Impact Weapons (purple) Lethal Force (red) Tactical repositioning	scan for weapons and if noticed, remove or block access to them note number of people note number and location of exits separate people if violent - break eye contact move least aggressive person keep eye contact with partner don't let people out of sight - watch hands get people seated don't let your guard down remember your perception may be distorted because of the stress the situation inevitably will create be prepared to re-assess if new information becomes available - remember the facts if you have reasonable grounds to search somebody, search them, especially if weapons are involved

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7. EXIT

RISK ASSESSMENT
	Factors to be Considered	Response Options	Police Responsibilities
7. Exit	level of resistance of suspect availability of cover layout of building	Visualization Officer Presence (white) Partnerships Verbal Intervention (blue) Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow) Intermediate Devices (fushia) Empty Hand Control - Hard (orange) Impact Weapons (purple) Lethal Force (red) Tactical repositioning	stay alert so there are no last minute surprises don't turn your back when leaving leap frog out

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CATEGORIES OF RESISTANCE OF INDIVIDUALS

In the inner portion of the Incident Management/Intervention Model, potential levels of resistance of suspects are noted. The following defines the expected behaviours of individuals displaying each of the levels of resistance included.

1. Cooperative:

There is no resistance. The person responds positively to verbal requests, commands or activation of a police vehicle's emergency equipment.. The person willingly complies.

2. Non-Cooperative:

There is little or no physical resistance. The person does not comply to the officer's request. This can be done through verbal defiance with little or no physical response or failing to pull their vehicle over and stop when an officer activates the police vehicle's emergency equipment. This may include: refusal to leave the scene, failure to follow directions, taunting officers, and advising others to disregard officer's lawful requests.

3. Resistant:

The person demonstrates resistance to control by the police officer through behaviours such as pulling away, pushing away or running away. This can include a situation where a police officer activates a police vehicle's emergency equipment and the suspect fails to stop and attempts to evade apprehension by driving evasively.

4. Combative:

The person attempts or threatens to apply force to anyone, e.g. punching, kicking, clenching fists with intent to hurt or resists, threats of an assault. In the case of a person operating a vehicle, they attempt to collide with the police vehicle, another vehicle or a pedestrian.

5. Person who shows the potential to cause grevious bodily harm or death

The person acts in a way which would lead the police officer to believe could result in grievous bodily harm or death to the public or the police:

knife attack
baseball bat
use of firearm
In the case of a person operating a vehicle, they collide with the police vehicle, another vehicle or a pedestrian.

THREAT CUES

Throughout the management of an incident, a police officer should be alert to threat cues such as body tension, tone of voice, body position and facial expression to ready them to use an appropriate response option. These threat cues may indicate the potential for a suspect to display more or less resistant behaviours described under "categories of resistance" that would justify the use of different "response options" described in the next session.

RESPONSE OPTIONS

The following are options available to police officers depending on the outcome of their risk assessment.

Officer Presence (white)

Your presence at a situation may itself impact on how it unfolds e.g. your presence may cause the suspects to cease the activity, e.g. stop making noise. Your presence may provoke a situation, e.g.'s drunken behavior at a party may turn violent or when you attempt to check a vehicle it could result in the driver panicking and trying to flee.

Verbal Intervention (blue)

crisis intervention techniques
verbal and non-verbal communication
anger management
conflict resolution

For more information on "Verbal Intervention" click here

Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow)

soft physical restraint methods
restraining techniques
joint locks
pain compliance
distractions, stuns, creating imbalance
hand cuffing

Intermediate Devices (fushia)

O.C. Spray (oleoresin capsicum)
CS gas
Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser)
Water Projection System

Empty hand control - hard (orange)

blocks
strikes
carotid control

NOTE:
Policy states that this carotid control will only be used when the life of a member or other person is at stake (Ops. Manual Chapter III.2.I.4.a).

Impact Weapons (purple)

use of police extendable baton
extended impact weapon (Sock Round)

Lethal Force (red)

use of force which could result in the death of a person
firearms
police motor vehicle

Tactical Repositioning (grey)

Officers can do a tactical repositioning at any point in a situation:

if the likelihood and extent of harm to the public can be reduced by tactically repositioning;
if there is fear of death or grievous bodily harm providing it does not expose others to injury or deadly force;
if seeking assistance will help to ensure public and police safety;
if buying time and gaining distance will help to ensure public and police safety; and
if you have ensured that the scene has been contained and there is little or no potential for harm.

DECISION MAKING RATIONALE FOR SELECTING A PARTICULAR INTERVENTION STRATEGY

While Section 25 of the Criminal Code established protection from liability for a peace officer who, in the course of enforcing the law, finds it necessary to use force, the onus is on the peace officer to justify not only the fact of having used force, but also the degree of force used. The prospect of civil liability also requires the member to bear in mind the notions of negligence and duty of care. A detailed record of all the circumstances surrounding the incident should be kept by the peace officer, in order to document the peace officer’s justification and care in using force. The record should include the following:

At the time when the force was used, did you believe that the force used was necessary (or were you simply acting on the instruction or suggestion of someone else)? [This is necessary to establish the subjective element that force was necessary. The remainder of the questions/answers serve to establish whether objectively force, and the degree thereof, was necessary]
Why did the you believe the force was necessary?
Did you fear violence on the part of the disputant? If so, why? What in the disputant’s behaviour motivated your apprehension?
Towards whom did the disputant exhibit aggressive behaviour?
What was the disputant’s size compared to you?
Have you had any previous encounters with the disputant?
Was the disputant in face or in appearance drunk? High on drugs? Agitated?
Was there anyone on hand to assist you in subduing the disputant?
Was the disputant alone? Were others also posing a threat?
Was the disputant uttering threats?
Was there escalation in degree or violence threatened by the disputant?
The obvious: Was the disputant armed? With what?
Did you make your presence known to the disputant?
Did you identify yourself to the complainant as a peace officer?
Did you state the purpose of your presence to the disputant?
What else did you say to the disputant? What was the disputant’s reaction to what you said?
Was the disputant resisting you? How?
What warning did you give that you would use force?
How did the disputant react to the warning?
What level of force did you use?
Was there an escalation in the degree of force that you used? Can you match the escalation in force with an escalation in threat of violence by the complainant?

Despite its length, this list of questions should not be considered exhaustive. It is critical to record in as much detail as possible, as soon as possible after the occurrence of use of force, a full description of the force actually used, and a full description of all the indicators of potential or actual violence which would explain the peace officer’s apprehension and justify the resort to force and the degree of force utilized. That is the trade-off in order to benefit from the protection afforded by Section 25 of the Criminal Code.

� GRC-RCMP
ecdp0018.doc
March 19, 1998

Revised: March 12, 2002