FOI 61307
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 61307
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 26th February 2021. Please find below the response to your request:
Given approaching people who suffer mental health problems is clearly police policy, can you please confirm that the police service has conducted risk assessments specific to the possible scenarios that could arise?
For example, a person suffering from Post Traumatic Disorder might start to react aggressively and end up pulled to the floor, handcuffed and dragged out of a shop, kicking a screaming, to be later charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. A person who suffers from speech problems may be unable to respond in a normal way and may be considered evasive and thus appear guilty. Social Anxiety can also cause a guilty-looking manner and symptoms such as blushing, lack of eye contact, not answering questions, resistant behaviour, etc. If the policy is for all people with no face mask or lanyard to be approached, questions, etc, then surely the police force has conducted risk assessments so that officers do not mistake such traits and symptoms for guilt. Getting it wrong could be fatal to someone already suffering and struggling to cope.
Reply:-
Police officers are trained in restraint and safety techniques on a regular basis in line with Home office recommendations.
Officers are expected to apply these core principles reasonably in unanticipated
situations in order to Protect People from Harm.
Police officers are frequently required to deal with potentially violent situations
and may need to use force when making some arrests, restraining uncompliant
subjects or controlling a hostile demonstration.
Police are required to justify any use of force, showing that it was proportionate
and legal, and that there was, at the time, an absolute necessity, particularly
where potentially lethal force is used. The law recognises that there are
situations where police officers may be required to use force.
The National Decision Making Model (NDM), sets out the process by which a measured and appropriate response can be made to any situation involving conflict. The police use of force is governed by:
- Common Law
- Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967
- Section 117 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- Section 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
West Mercia Police police according to national regulations set out for all forces issued by the NPCC and the College of policing and follow the four Es approach of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce.
West Mercia Police regularly remind officers that not every disability is visible and where a member of the public needs more support or cannot wear a face covering, they should engage with them whilst being sensitive to an individual’s confidentiality and circumstances. Ensuring officers are aware that those with exemptions do not need to provide an exemption certificate or wear a lanyard.
Every effort is taken to treat and handle people as fairly, but fundamentally as safely as possible in any situation.