Title

CF1

/ Contribute to the resolution of policing operations by providing a firearms capability

Summary

This unit is about providing a firearms capability to contribute to the resolution of policing operations. The unit applies in the context of the types of firearms and ammunition that you have been trained and authorised to use, and the role that you are performing.
All references to the term’ firearm’ includes the following: revolvers, rifles, self loading pistols, carbines, baton guns, shotguns and less lethal technologies and any ammunition associated with any of those firearms, as well as any other specialist munitions.
You must be able to correctly acquire firearms for operational use, check the weapons and store them safely until required. You must also be able to carry out routine maintenance of firearms (e.g. cleaning etc) and also check and make safe any weapons which come into police possession.
In contributing to policing operations, you must show that you can conduct dynamic risk assessments relating to your activity. Risk assessments are usually recorded in writing however operationally, when providing a firearms capability, you should be able to do this dynamically (i.e. whilst on the job, without it being recorded, but using the same principles).

There are 2 elements:

CF1.1 / Acquire, handle and store police firearms
CF1.2 / Provide a firearms capability for policing operations

Element

CF1.1

/ Acquire, handle and store police firearms

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / prior to operational activity, correctly acquire firearms within your level of authorisation and appropriate to the proposed policing operation
2 / safely and correctly handle and check the firearms to ensure their readiness for operational use in accordance with policies, procedures and guidelines
3 / safely and correctly store the firearms at all times whilst not in immediate operational use, in accordance with current policies, procedures and guidelines
4 / carry out any routine maintenance on the firearms within your level of authority and training, to ensure their capability for operational use
5 / identify faults that are beyond your authority and level of training and take the appropriate action
6 / deal appropriately with injuries caused during the acquisition, handling or storage of police firearms
7 / fully document the acquisition or issue of police firearms in accordance with current policies, procedures and guidelines
8 / safely and correctly, handle, check and where possible make safe, any firearm which comes into police possession, taking the appropriate action when unable to do so

Element

CF1.2

/ Provide a firearms capability for policing operations

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / conduct a dynamic risk assessment in relation to your proposed activity in the policing operation
2 / contribute to the planning of the policing operation where appropriate
3 / contribute effectively to the policing operation within your level of authorisation and any authority granted for the carrying of firearms
4 / where no standing authority exists, self-authorise only in circumstances where the threat necessitates this, in accordance with current policies, procedures and guidelines
5 / deal with individuals in an ethical manner, recognising their needs with respect to race, diversity and human rights
6 / negotiate with the subject correctly, ensuring that the necessary warning is given in accordance with current policies, procedures and guidelines
7 / use only the minimum force required on any subject in accordance with current legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines
8 / take the appropriate care of firearms and carry out the required maintenance during policing operations in accordance with your level of authority, training and current policies and procedures
9 / at the conclusion of any period of operational activity check the safety of firearms and return them to their correct storage location in accordance with current policies, procedures and guidelines
10 / fully document all activity in accordance with current policies, procedures and guidelines

CF1

/ Contribute to the resolution of policing operations by providing a firearms capability

Knowledge and Understanding

To meet the standard, you need to know and understand

Legal and organisational requirements

1 / current, relevant legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and guidelines in relation to the police use of firearms and the use of force appropriate to your role
2 / current, relevant legislation and organisational requirements in relation to race, diversity and human rights
3 / current, relevant legislation and organisational requirements in relation to health and safety
4 / who can authorise the police issue of firearms
5 / how authorisation can be obtained for the police issue of firearms
6 / your responsibilities and liabilities in relation to the police use of firearms

Risk assessment

7 / how to conduct dynamic risk assessments
8 / the purpose and importance of risk and threat assessments

Acquisition, handling and storage of police firearms and ancillary equipment

9 / the types of firearm and ancillary equipment that you are authorised to use
10 / how to handle, check and store firearms safely
11 / how to handle check and store ancillary equipment correctly
12 / how to carry out routine maintenance on firearms and ancillary equipment within your level of authorisation
13 / how to carry out first aid procedures

Providing a firearms capability for policing operations

14 / how to identify appropriate firearms to use in contributing to policing operations
15 / how to use the firearms for which you are authorised at the level required by organisational standards
16 / how to use the ancillary equipment for which you are authorised
17 / the tactics to be employed to contribute to policing operations with a firearms capability relevant to your role
18 / who to liaise with in the command structure during policing operations
19 / how to take account of the safety of others whilst using police firearms
20 / how to negotiate with a subject and give appropriate warnings
21 / how to operate tactically within parameters set by an authority to use police firearms in a policing operation
22 / how to deal appropriately with a potentially armed subject once detained
23 / how and where to store police firearms during periods of operational inactivity and at the conclusion of operational activity

Documentation

24 / the documentation which is required to be completed for the acquisition of firearms and certain ancillary equipment
25 / the types of documentation which must be completed
Skills for Justice / 1
National Occupational Standards for Policing & Law Enforcement / April 2005