Learning & Operational Resources
Pension tools, pay scales, operational guides, legal references, and professional development — everything you need for your policing career.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Pension Calculator
Estimate your projected police pension. This is illustrative only — contact your force pension team for accurate figures.
Police Pension Schemes Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all three police pension schemes — PPS 1987, NPPS 2006, and CARE 2015.
Scheme Comparison
Key features of each police pension scheme at a glance.
| Feature | PPS 1987 Legacy | NPPS 2006 Legacy | CARE 2015 Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Joined before 6 Apr 2006 | Joined 6 Apr 2006 – 31 Mar 2015 | Joined from 1 Apr 2015 (or transferred) |
| Accrual rate | 1/60th per year | 1/70th per year | 1/55.3rd per year |
| Normal pension age | 55 (with 30yr service) or 60 (with 25yr) | 55 (with 35yr service) | State Pension Age (currently 67) |
| Max service | 30 years | 35 years | No limit |
| Lump sum | Automatic: 3× annual pension | Automatic: 4× annual pension | No automatic — commute up to 25% |
| Employee contribution | ~15.05% | ~12.75% | 12.44%–13.78% (salary-dependent) |
| Pensionable pay | Final salary | Final salary | Career average (revalued annually) |
| Ill-health | Enhanced (years to retirement added) | Enhanced (years added) | Enhanced (proportional uplift) |
| Death in service | 2× pensionable pay | 3× pensionable pay | 3× pensionable pay |
McCloud Remedy
Important information for officers who transitioned from a legacy scheme to CARE 2015.
Officers who were in PPS 1987 or NPPS 2006 on 31 March 2015 and were transferred to CARE 2015 are affected by the McCloud remedy. The remedy gives a choice:
Option A
Keep CARE 2015 benefits for the remedy period (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022).
Option B
Revert to your legacy scheme (PPS 1987 or NPPS 2006) for the remedy period.
Most officers are being contacted by their force pension administrators with their individual options. The deadline for elections varies by force. Contact your pension administrator or PFEW representative for personal advice — the right choice depends on your individual circumstances.
2025/26 Pay Scales
UK police officer pay scales including London weighting and South East allowance. Click column headers to sort.
| Rank | Pay Point | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Constable | Pay point 1 (starting) | £31,164 | £34,314–£40,902 | £31,164–£34,164 |
Constable | Pay point 2 | £32,472 | £35,622–£42,210 | £32,472–£35,472 |
Constable | Pay point 3 | £33,789 | £36,939–£43,527 | £33,789–£36,789 |
Constable | Pay point 4 | £35,106 | £38,256–£44,844 | £35,106–£38,106 |
Constable | Pay point 5 | £37,737 | £40,887–£47,475 | £37,737–£40,737 |
Constable | Pay point 6 | £43,038 | £46,188–£52,776 | £43,038–£46,038 |
Constable | Pay point 7 (top of scale) | £50,256 | £53,406–£59,994 | £50,256–£53,256 |
Sergeant | On promotion | £53,568 | £56,718–£63,306 | £53,568–£56,568 |
Sergeant | Pay point 1 | £54,660 | £57,810–£64,398 | £54,660–£57,660 |
Sergeant | Top of scale | £56,208 | £59,358–£65,946 | £56,208–£59,208 |
Inspector | On promotion | £63,768 | £66,462 | — |
Inspector | Pay point 1 | £65,505 | £68,202 | — |
Inspector | Pay point 2 | £67,236 | £69,954 | — |
Inspector | Top of scale | £68,982 | £71,697 | — |
Chief Inspector | On promotion | £70,344 | £73,062 | — |
Chief Inspector | Pay point 1 | £71,715 | £74,427 | — |
Chief Inspector | Top of scale | £73,149 | £75,855 | — |
Superintendent | Minimum | £84,177 | — | — |
Superintendent | Maximum | £99,015 | — | — |
Chief Superintendent | Minimum | £103,797 | — | — |
Chief Superintendent | Maximum | £115,785 | — | — |
* London for constables and sergeants is shown as a range: the guaranteed floor (national base + the pensionable London Weighting £3,150) up to the maximum once a discretionary London Allowance of up to £6,588 is paid. Inspecting ranks are on a separate London pay scale (a single figure, not a range).
† South East is shown as base up to base + £3,000 — a force-discretionary regional allowance paid by some South-East forces. “—” means no distinct figure applies.
The +3.5% 2026/27 pay award took effect on 1 September 2026, but the Home Office has not yet published the official per-point pay figures. The scale shown is the last official determination (2025/26); we will update it when the 2026/27 figures are published.
PDR Guide
Everything you need to know about your Professional Development Review — from setting objectives to collecting evidence and acing your review meeting.
Professional Development Review (PDR)
Your annual review against the Competency and Values Framework (CVF).
Pocket Notebook & Statement Guide
Essential guidance on pocket notebook entries, writing MG11 statements, giving evidence in court, and recording crime scene notes.
Recording & Evidence Guide
From pocket notebook to courtroom — everything you need to know about recording evidence effectively.
Use of Force Guide
The National Decision Model, legal framework, force options, and reporting requirements for the lawful use of force.
National Decision Model (NDM)
The primary decision-making framework for UK policing — apply at every stage of an incident.
Code of Ethics
At the centre of every decision
Gather information and intelligence
Assess threat and risk, develop working strategy
Consider powers, policies, and legislation
Identify options and contingencies
Take action and review what happened
Legal Framework
The legislation and principles authorising the use of force.
Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967
“Reasonable force” to prevent crime or make arrest
Section 117 PACE 1984
Force to exercise PACE powers
Common law
Self-defence and defence of others
Article 2 ECHR
Absolute right to life — use of lethal force must be “absolutely necessary”
Key principle: Force must be REASONABLE, NECESSARY, and PROPORTIONATE.
Force Options
Escalation and de-escalation — from communication through to lethal force.
De-escalation should always be attempted first. Force is a LAST resort.
Reporting Requirements
What you must do after any use of force.
- Complete use of force form after every incident
- Body-worn video should be activated BEFORE force is used where possible
- Record: what threat you faced, what options you considered, why you chose the force used
- Supervisor notification required for baton/PAVA/Taser use
- IOPC referral for firearms discharge or serious injury
Key Principles
“Would a reasonable officer in the same circumstances have acted the same way?”
Proportionality
Match force to the threat
Necessity
Was force the only option?
Legality
Did you have lawful authority?
Accountability
Can you justify every action?
Tutor Constable & Mentoring Guide
Everything you need to know about the tutor constable role, mentoring probationers, and building the next generation of police officers.
Why Mentoring Matters
The tutored patrol phase is where probationers learn to be real police officers.
A probationer's tutor constable is often the single biggest influence on their development. Good tutors produce confident, competent officers who make sound decisions under pressure. Poor mentoring leads to skill gaps, low confidence, and officers who struggle throughout their careers. If you are considering becoming a tutor, you are taking on one of the most impactful roles in policing.
PACE Codes of Practice
Essential guidance on the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice — the foundation of lawful policing.
GOWISELY Mnemonic
The 8 things you MUST communicate to the person before conducting a stop and search.
Grounds
The grounds (reason) for the search
Object
The object of the search — what you are looking for
Warrant card
Show warrant card if not in uniform
Identity
Your name and collar number
Station
The police station you are attached to
Entitled to copy
The person is entitled to a copy of the search record
Legal power
The legal power being used for the search
You are detained
Inform the person they are detained for the purpose of the search
Key Stop & Search Powers
- s.1 PACE 1984 — Search for stolen or prohibited articles in a public place
- s.23 MDA 1971 — Search for controlled drugs
- s.60 CJPOA 1994 — Anticipatory violence (no individual suspicion needed, authorised by Inspector)
Recording Requirements
- A record must be made of every stop and search at the time or as soon as practicable afterwards
- Record: ethnicity, object of search, grounds, identity of officer, date/time/place, outcome
- The person is entitled to a copy of the record within 3 months
- Records are subject to scrutiny panels and HMICFRS inspection
- Body-worn video should be activated for all stop and search encounters
Stop and Search — Operational Guide
A comprehensive guide to stop and search powers, procedure, reasonable grounds, and recording requirements under PACE and associated legislation.
Stop and Search Powers — Overview
The main statutory powers available to constables for stop and search.
| Power | Grounds / Trigger | Scope | Suspicion |
|---|---|---|---|
s.1 PACE 1984 | Reasonable grounds to suspect stolen or prohibited articles (offensive weapons, articles for use in burglary/theft/deception) | Any person or vehicle in a public place | Required |
s.23 MDA 1971 | Reasonable grounds to suspect possession of a controlled drug | Any person or vehicle in a public place or elsewhere | Required |
s.47 Firearms Act 1968 | Reasonable cause to suspect a person has a firearm (with or without ammunition) in a public place, or is committing / about to commit a relevant firearms offence elsewhere | Any person or vehicle in a public place (and elsewhere for the relevant offences) | Required |
s.60 CJPOA 1994 | Anticipatory — serious violence likely to occur. No individual suspicion needed. Inspector+ authorises area for up to 24hrs (extendable to 48hrs by Superintendent) | Any person within the authorised locality during the authorised period | NOT required |
s.43 Terrorism Act 2000 | Reasonable suspicion that the person is a terrorist | Any person in a public place | Required |
s.47A Terrorism Act 2000 | No individual suspicion — a senior officer has authorised searches in a specified area/place, reasonably suspecting an act of terrorism will take place and that the authorisation is necessary to prevent it | Any person or vehicle within the authorised area during the authorised period | NOT required |
GOWISELY — What to Say at Each Step
Every officer must communicate all 8 elements before commencing a stop and search. The mnemonic below includes suggested wording and key notes.
What CAN constitute reasonable grounds
- Specific intelligence linking the individual to particular criminal activity
- Observation of suspicious behaviour consistent with the offence (e.g. transferring an item furtively)
- An identifiable item bulging under clothing that matches the profile of the prohibited article
- Smell of cannabis combined with additional corroborating factors
- Reliable informant tip providing specific detail about the individual
- Being found in a location immediately after a confirmed criminal act matching the description given
What CANNOT constitute reasonable grounds
- Race, ethnicity, religion, age, or appearance alone
- Location in a high-crime area without additional specific grounds
- Previous convictions or intelligence records in isolation
- Nervous or evasive behaviour without further corroboration
- "Gut feeling" or officer instinct without articulable facts
- The smell of cannabis alone (contested — forces differ; record your full grounds carefully)
- Clothing style, tattoos, or gang colours without specific intelligence
Strip Search Procedures (PACE Code C Annex A; search power under s.54 / s.32 PACE)
Strip searches are the removal of more than outer clothing. They require specific authority and conditions.
Written authority from the custody sergeant (for searches in custody) or supervisory officer in the field. Cannot be conducted as a routine follow-on from a standard stop and search without additional grounds.
Must be conducted by an officer of the same sex as the person being searched. No officer of the opposite sex may be present unless the person specifically requests it.
Must take place in a location affording reasonable privacy. Cannot be conducted in the street or a public place.
No more force than is reasonably necessary may be used. A strip search is not a full search — intimate search requires medical practitioner authority.
Examination of body orifices other than the mouth. Requires Superintendent authority and (for drug offences) must be carried out by a medical practitioner or nurse. Officers may conduct intimate searches for weapons only in limited circumstances.
Full record of authority, officer present, reasons, and outcome must be made on the custody record.
Disproportionality Awareness — BUSS & Community Impact
The Best Use of Stop and Search (BUSS) scheme (Home Office, 2014) sets out conditions designed to improve the quality, fairness, and community impact of stop and search. Key elements include:
Community monitoring
Scrutiny panels with community representatives review local stop and search data. Officers' grounds are assessed against the records.
Outcome recording
Forces must record "positive outcomes" broadly — arrest, caution, community resolution, drugs warning. This allows analysis of whether the power is being used effectively.
Body-worn video
Activation of BWV for all stop and searches provides an accountability record and evidential protection for both officers and the public.
Voluntary encounters
If there are no grounds for a search, any engagement must be clearly voluntary. The person must be told they are free to leave — failure to do so creates an unlawful detention.
Disproportionality monitoring
Forces publish data on stop and searches by ethnicity. Officers must be aware that disproportionate use without intelligence justification is a key inspection concern.
Complaint resolution
Under BUSS, community groups may request a local resolution meeting if they believe stop and search powers are being used unlawfully or disproportionately.
Section 60 CJPOA — Authorisation Process
Section 60 is an anticipatory power. No individual suspicion is required, but strict conditions govern its authorisation.
An Inspector (or above) must reasonably believe serious violence will take place in the locality and it is expedient to use the power to prevent it. Must specify the locality and time period.
Initial authorisation: up to 24 hours. A Superintendent may extend by a further 24 hours (maximum 48 hours total).
The authorisation must be notified to the Chief Constable as soon as reasonably practicable.
Individual suspicion is not required. Any officer in the locality may stop and search any person or vehicle within it.
Power is to prevent violence — cannot be used to search for drugs unless separate power invoked.
All searches must still be recorded on a stop form. The authorisation number must be included on each record.
Recording Requirements — What Must Be on the Stop Form
A record must be made at the time or as soon as practicable. The person is entitled to a copy within 3 months.
Scenario Examples
Three scenarios illustrating good grounds, borderline grounds, and bad grounds.
Situation
You observe a male acting suspiciously behind a row of parked cars at 02:00. He is bending down and appears to be examining car door handles. On approach he shoves something bulky inside his jacket.
Analysis
Specific behaviours at night consistent with car crime. The act of concealing an item on officer approach adds corroboration. A s.1 PACE search for prohibited articles / tools for use in vehicle crime is lawful.
Guidance
Good grounds. Record the specific observations in detail.
Situation
You are on patrol in an area with recent knife incidents. A young male walks past and briefly makes eye contact before crossing the road away from you. You smell something you think might be cannabis.
Analysis
Location and avoidance are weak; smell of cannabis alone is contested. Without more — visible concealment, intelligence, confirmed recent crime — this is unlikely to meet the reasonable grounds threshold.
Guidance
Borderline/poor grounds. Consider an engagement and voluntary conversation first. Do not proceed on this basis without additional corroboration.
Situation
A member of public says "there's a suspicious-looking lad on the corner, he looks like a dealer." The person is young, wearing a tracksuit, and standing outside a shop.
Analysis
Third-party vague assertion plus appearance and location. This does not meet reasonable grounds. Proceeding would be unlawful and potentially discriminatory.
Guidance
No lawful power to search. Speak to the person voluntarily if appropriate, or gather further intelligence before acting.
Common Mistakes and Consequences
| Mistake | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Failing to record the search | Breach of Code A; data for community scrutiny panels incomplete; complaints upheld. |
| Inadequate or generalised grounds recorded | Record challenged in court or complaint; officer unable to defend their decision-making. |
| Not providing / offering copy of record | Breach of PACE Code A; potential IPCC / IOPC complaint upheld. |
| Not activating body-worn video | Loss of evidence; force policy breach; potential misconduct referral; undermines account if complaint made. |
| Not informing person of legal power used | Search may be unlawful; evidence obtained potentially inadmissible. |
| Searching more intimately than the power allows | Strip search without authority is an assault; officer faces criminal and misconduct liability. |
| Using s.60 outside the authorised area or time | Search is unlawful regardless of outcome; evidence inadmissible. |
Body-Worn Video — Evidential Standards Guide
BWV is a critical evidential and accountability tool. Understanding when to activate, chain of custody obligations, and disclosure duties protects both officers and the public.
When to Activate — Presumption to Record
The default position is that BWV should be activated for all frontline encounters. The following represent mandatory or high-priority activation triggers.
All stop and searches — officer must activate prior to first contact where possible. Failure to activate must be justified on the record.
Mandatory activation for all domestic abuse calls. The footage may be the only independent account and is often used as evidence without victim support (victimless prosecution).
Must be activated before, during, and after any use of force. Footage must capture the full event including post-incident interactions.
Activation required at the point arrest is made. Must capture the caution being given.
Frontline officers attending public order should activate on deployment where operationally possible.
Any encounter where it is apparent that a complaint may arise or the subject is hostile or threatening.
When Recording Is Restricted or Not Appropriate
Exceptions to the presumption to record. Each exception requires a note on the custody record or incident log.
Evidential Continuity — Chain of Custody
BWV footage must be handled in a way that preserves its integrity from recording to court disclosure.
Activate before contact
Where possible, activate BWV before approaching the subject so the full encounter is captured including first interaction.
Download on return to station
Officers must not delay downloading footage. Most forces require same-shift download. The device must be docked within force-specified timescales.
Naming conventions
Files must be named using the force-mandated convention — typically including officer number, date, time, and incident/crime reference. Non-compliant naming can cause disclosure issues.
System upload and tagging
Footage is uploaded to the force Evidence Management System (e.g. Axon Evidence, Motorola VideoManager). Must be tagged to the relevant crime reference immediately.
Chain of custody record
The system generates a tamper-evident audit trail. Officers must not attempt to edit, delete, or export footage outside force-authorised channels.
Supervisor review
Many forces require supervisors to review a percentage of BWV footage for quality assurance. Officers should be aware their footage may be reviewed.
Retention Periods
Standard retention periods vary by force. The periods below reflect common practice — always check your force's BWV policy.
| Category | Retention Period | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General patrol / no crime identified | 31 days (standard) | Auto-deleted after 31 days unless tagged to a crime or complaint. |
| Evidence in a crime investigation | Duration of investigation + 6 years after proceedings | Must be tagged to the crime reference to prevent auto-deletion. |
| Subject of complaint (PSD) | Duration of investigation + applicable retention schedule | Professional Standards must be notified. Footage preserved immediately on receipt of complaint. |
| Serious / fatal incidents | Indefinite (or per IOPC direction) | Managed by the investigating authority. Officer must not access or delete footage. |
| Custody footage (BWV within custody) | 90 days to 1 year (force-specific) | Longer periods apply for incidents involving complaints or injuries. |
Disclosure Obligations — CPIA 1996 & GDPR
- BWV footage is material — it must be reviewed by the OIC and listed on the MG6C (unused material schedule) in any case proceeding to court.
- Failure to disclose BWV footage that undermines the prosecution or assists the defence is a CPIA 1996 breach and may result in the case being discontinued.
- Defence can request access to BWV footage. The Crown must either disclose it or justify non-disclosure (e.g. public interest immunity).
- Subject Access Requests (SAR) under UK GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018: individuals can request footage of themselves. Forces have one month to respond. The law enforcement exemption (DPA 2018 Part 3) may restrict what is provided.
- Third-party faces in footage must be redacted before disclosure to comply with data protection obligations — this is the responsibility of the disclosure officer in conjunction with the force redaction team.
Redaction — When, Why, and Who Authorises
Footage must be redacted before disclosure to protect the privacy rights of uninvolved third parties under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Faces must be pixelated / blurred. This applies to bystanders, neighbours, and uninvolved parties.
All children must be redacted unless they are the suspect. Even then, legal advice should be sought before disclosing unredacted footage of juveniles.
Footage taken inside, e.g., domestic violence refuges, hospitals, or places of religious worship may require review before disclosure.
Any footage revealing an undercover officer's identity or methodology must be reviewed by the SIO and legal team before any disclosure.
Redaction must be authorised by the disclosure officer or OIC — officers must not attempt to self-redact footage on personal devices or with unauthorised tools.
Officer Rights Regarding BWV Footage
Viewing before making a statement
Yes. Officers are generally entitled to view BWV footage before writing their pocket notebook entry or witness statement. This should be done with supervisor awareness and noted in the statement ("I viewed BWV footage prior to writing this statement"). This is lawful and not misconduct.
Viewing before misconduct interview
Yes. BWV footage relevant to a misconduct allegation is disclosable to the subject officer before their interview under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. Viewing is permitted and should be done with your federation rep or legal adviser present.
Activation failures
Failure to activate BWV without reasonable justification may constitute a breach of force policy and can lead to misconduct proceedings. Officers must record the reason for non-activation at the earliest opportunity.
Audit trails
Every access to BWV footage is logged by the evidence management system. Unauthorised access or attempted deletion is automatically flagged and may result in criminal proceedings (e.g. misconduct in a public office, perverting the course of justice).
GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018 — Key Points
- BWV is personal data processing. The lawful basis is DPA 2018 Part 3 (law enforcement purposes) — separate from the general GDPR regime.
- Processing must be necessary and proportionate to the law enforcement purpose — unnecessary activation or retention is a data protection breach.
- Forces must publish a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) covering BWV use.
- Individuals have the right to access footage of themselves via a Subject Access Request. Forces have one month to respond; the law enforcement exemption may permit redaction or restriction where disclosure would prejudice an investigation.
- Footage cannot be shared on social media or with third parties outside authorised disclosure channels — doing so may constitute a criminal offence under DPA 2018 s.170.
- Data Protection Officers (DPO) must be consulted on any novel or high-risk use of BWV data.
Custody Procedures — Deep Dive
Comprehensive guidance on the custody process from detention authorisation to charge, release, and the legal obligations surrounding vulnerable detainees and deaths in custody.
The PACE Detention Clock — Time Limits
The clock starts when the detainee arrives at the police station (or from time of arrest if earlier, where there is delay). Each milestone requires active decision-making by the custody officer or authorising officer.
Custody sergeant authorises detention under s.37 PACE. The PACE clock starts. Grounds must be sufficient to charge OR to secure/preserve evidence.
First review of detention by an Inspector (or above). Must be conducted in person or by telephone if officer not available. Review must be documented on custody record.
Second review 9 hours after the first. Inspector reassesses grounds, progress of investigation, and continued necessity. Can release with or without bail.
Maximum initial detention. Must charge, release unconditionally, release on bail/RUI, or obtain Superintendent authority to extend. Cannot hold beyond this without authority.
A Superintendent may extend detention by up to 12 hours (to 36 hrs) for indictable offences only. Must personally review and authorise — cannot be delegated. Written grounds required.
Application to a magistrates' court required. Court must be satisfied the investigation is being conducted diligently and expeditiously. Warrants can extend detention in periods up to 36 hrs to a maximum of 96 hrs total. Terrorism detentions have separate provisions (up to 14 days under TACT 2000).
Rights of the Detainee — s.56 & s.58 PACE
Rights must be given on arrival and explained in a way the detainee can understand. They must be documented on the custody record.
Right to free legal advice
Available 24/7 via the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC). Cannot be withheld except in exceptional circumstances (delay authorised by Superintendent for indictable offences — risk of evidence destruction, alerting co-suspects, or hindering recovery of property).
Right to have someone informed of arrest
One person of the detainee's choice informed as soon as practicable. For an indictable offence the delay needs an inspector's authority (s.56(2)) — a lower rank than the superintendent needed to delay legal advice. If the person is a juvenile, their parent/guardian must be informed as well.
Right to consult PACE Codes of Practice
Must be made available on request at any time during detention. Cannot be withheld.
Right to an interpreter
If the detainee does not speak English sufficiently, a qualified interpreter must be provided. Cannot conduct a PACE interview without interpretation. Remote interpretation services are acceptable.
Right to medical attention
The custody officer must call a Healthcare Professional (HCP) if the detainee appears to require medical attention. Cannot be withheld. Detainee may also request a private doctor at their own expense.
Custody Record — What MUST Be Recorded
The custody record is a contemporaneous legal document. Every entry must be timed and signed. Omissions or inaccuracies can undermine a prosecution and lead to misconduct allegations.
Vulnerable Persons & Appropriate Adults
The appropriate adult scheme is a fundamental safeguard. Failure to provide an AA where required can render an interview inadmissible and constitute misconduct.
Juvenile-Specific Provisions
- Juveniles must not normally be held in a police station overnight — they must be transferred to local authority accommodation unless the custody officer certifies it is impracticable or, for those aged 12-17, that no secure accommodation is available AND that keeping them in other local authority accommodation would not be adequate to protect the public from serious harm from them.
- School/college must be notified if the juvenile is of school age and detention extends into school hours — normally by the AA but the custody officer must ensure it happens.
- Interview of a juvenile must not commence without an AA present (except urgent interview authorised by Inspector).
- The maximum detention time provisions apply equally — the PACE clock runs from time of arrest regardless of age.
- Cautions, reprimands, and final warnings (now youth cautions under LASPO 2012) have specific procedures for juveniles — involving the parent/guardian and, where appropriate, a youth offending team.
- Strip searches of juveniles: an AA must be present unless the juvenile specifically requests otherwise and the AA agrees they need not be present.
Fitness to Detain & Fitness to Interview
Custody officer must assess on arrival whether the detainee is fit to be detained. Any concerns trigger an HCP referral. Particular attention to intoxication (alcohol and drugs), head injuries, and chronic conditions.
If the detainee appears to be suffering from a mental disorder, the custody officer must consider diversion (s.136 MHA 1983 suite, liaison and diversion services) and ensure an AA is contacted.
The HCP (police surgeon / forensic medical examiner / nurse) assesses fitness to detain and fitness to interview. Their assessment is documented on the custody record and is advisory — the custody officer retains responsibility.
If the HCP determines the detainee requires immediate medical attention that cannot be provided in custody, they must be taken to hospital. An officer must accompany them. The PACE clock continues to run.
A detainee must be assessed as fit to interview before a PACE interview commences. Factors: mental state, medication, alcohol/drug intoxication, exhaustion. HCP certifies fitness to interview — officers must not interview without this if there is doubt.
Any disclosure or indication of self-harm risk must be actioned immediately — remove ligature points, constant observation level if necessary, HCP called, and Action Plan documented on custody record.
Pre-Charge Bail & Release Under Investigation (RUI)
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced statutory time limits on pre-charge bail. RUI is the alternative for cases where bail is not necessary or appropriate.
| Type | Legal Basis | Conditions? | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-charge bail | ss.47ZB–47ZF PACE (Policing and Crime Act 2017; PCSC Act 2022) | Yes — full range of bail conditions available | 3 months initial (PCSC Act 2022); extensions available |
| Release Under Investigation (RUI) | s.34 PACE | No — no conditions can be imposed | No statutory time limit (subject to investigation necessity) |
Pre-charge bail
Person released before charge subject to conditions. The initial applicable bail period of 3 months runs automatically once the custody officer grants bail (s.47ZB, Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022). Extended to 6 months by an inspector (s.47ZD), then to 9 months by a superintendent (s.47ZDA); beyond 9 months requires magistrates' court authority (s.47ZF). Conditions can include reporting, curfew, no-contact.
Release Under Investigation (RUI)
Person released without charge or bail conditions while investigation continues. No time limit. No conditions can be imposed. Person is not on bail — they are free from restrictions but remain under investigation. Used when bail is not appropriate or necessary.
Charging Decisions — Tests Applied
Used when there is insufficient evidence to apply the full code test but the case merits charging to allow more evidence to be gathered. Used only when: it is appropriate to refuse bail; there is a reasonable suspicion that the person committed the offence; and it is in the public interest to charge.
Two stages: (1) Evidential stage — is there sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction? (2) Public interest stage — is it in the public interest to prosecute? Both must be satisfied. This is the standard test applied in the vast majority of cases.
For more serious offences, the OIC must consult CPS before charging. Many forces use a charging hub or Virtual Case File (VCF) system. The CPS lawyer applies the Full Code Test and communicates the charging decision to the custody officer.
For minor summary offences, the custody officer may charge without CPS advice (simple caution, conditional caution, or charge where the person admits the offence and it is clearly in the public interest to charge).
Strip Search & Intimate Search in Custody
Written authority of the custody sergeant required. Grounds must be that the sergeant has reasonable grounds to believe the detainee may have concealed an article on their person that they could use to harm themselves or others, or which is evidence of an offence.
Must be conducted by an officer of the same sex. No officer of the opposite sex present unless the detainee specifically requests it and the officer of the opposite sex agrees.
An appropriate adult must be present for the strip search of a juvenile or mentally vulnerable adult unless the juvenile requests they are not present and the AA concurs.
Inspector authority required (the authorising rank was reduced from superintendent by the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, from 1 April 2003). An intimate search (examination of body orifices other than the mouth) for drugs must be carried out by a medical practitioner or nurse. Officers may only carry out an intimate search for weapons in exceptional circumstances.
Force may only be used to the extent necessary. Forcible intimate searches are not permitted for drug offences.
Every aspect of the search must be recorded on the custody record: authority given, by whom, time, officers present, what was found, and any force used.
Deaths in Custody — Immediate Actions & Legal Obligations
Any death in or following custody triggers mandatory IOPC referral and Article 2 ECHR obligations. Officers must act immediately and correctly.
Immediate response
Render first aid and call ambulance immediately. Preserve the scene — treat as a potential crime scene. Do not move the body or interfere with evidence unless required for resuscitation.
Supervisor notification
Notify the custody sergeant, custody inspector, and on-call senior officer immediately. The Force Duty Inspector must be informed.
IOPC mandatory referral
All deaths in or following police custody must be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) without delay. This is a mandatory referral — failure to refer is itself a serious breach.
Article 2 obligations
The state has an obligation under Article 2 ECHR (right to life) to investigate deaths in custody effectively and independently. An IOPC investigation or inquest before a coroner will follow. Officers must cooperate fully.
Scene preservation
CCTV, BWV, custody record, and all related evidence must be preserved and not altered. Officers involved must not confer about the incident before making their accounts.
Family liaison
A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) must be appointed at the earliest opportunity to support the family and act as a communication link between the family and the investigation. The family have rights in the inquest process.
Officer welfare
Officers involved in a death in custody may experience significant trauma. Welfare support must be offered proactively. Officers may also face misconduct or criminal investigation — they should contact their Police Federation representative immediately.
Arrest & Custody Checklist
Interactive checklist for arrest, custody, and evidence procedures. Your progress is saved automatically.
Arrest Checklist
Steps to follow when making a lawful arrest.
Custody Checklist
Procedure on arrival at the custody suite.
Evidence Checklist
Handling and preserving evidence at the scene.
Investigation & First Response
Key principles for the critical first minutes at a crime scene — evidence preservation, witness management, and the golden hour.
Golden Hour Principles
The first 60 minutes after a crime is reported are critical. Evidence degrades, witnesses disperse, and CCTV overwrites. Acting decisively in this window can make or break an investigation.
Taking Initial Accounts — The TED Approach
A structured method for gathering first accounts without contaminating the evidence.
Key Rules
- Don’t lead (“Did you see a man in a red jacket?” = BAD)
- Don’t interrupt the narrative
- Record verbatim where possible
- Separate witnesses to prevent contamination
- Note demeanour
Locard's Exchange Principle
Every contact leaves a trace. The suspect carries traces from the scene; the scene carries traces from the suspect.
Why this matters for first officers:
- Don’t touch anything unnecessarily
- Wear gloves at all times
- Note your own movements through the scene
- Avoid cross-contamination between scenes, suspects, and victims
First Officer Checklist
Essential actions for the first officer attending a crime scene.
ABE Interview Guide
Achieving Best Evidence — the framework for interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, governed by Ministry of Justice guidance.
What is ABE?
Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) is the framework for interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children. It is governed by Ministry of Justice guidance and is used for video-recorded interviews that can be played as evidence-in-chief at court. The quality of the ABE interview can determine the outcome of a case.
Who Qualifies?
Decision made by the officer in consultation with CPS.
- Under-18s (automatic)
- Victims of sexual offences
- Victims of serious violence
- Intimidated witnesses (gang-related, domestic abuse)
- Witnesses with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
4 Phases of an ABE Interview
Rapport Building
Establish trust, explain the process, set ground rules. Make the witness feel safe and comfortable before any questioning begins.
Free Narrative
Open question: “Tell me everything that happened.” Do not interrupt. Let the witness give their full account in their own words and at their own pace.
Questioning
Use the funnel approach: open questions → specific questions → closed questions. Never use leading questions. Clarify and expand on the free narrative.
Closure
Summarise what was said, check accuracy with the witness, explain next steps in the process, and conduct a welfare check before ending the interview.
Special Measures Available
Video-recorded interview
Played at court as evidence-in-chief
Live video link
Witness gives evidence from a separate room
Screens
To shield the witness from the defendant
Intermediary
Communication specialist for vulnerable witnesses
Removal of wigs and gowns
Less formal and intimidating courtroom environment
Key Don'ts
- Don’t lead the witness
- Don’t use legal jargon
- Don’t show photographs or evidence during interview
- Don’t interrupt free narrative
- Don’t interview in the presence of a suspect
- Don’t rush — take breaks as needed
THRIVE Model
A structured decision-making model used to assess and grade incidents — ensuring the right response at the right time.
TThreat
Is there a current or ongoing threat to anyone? Who is threatening whom? Is the threat escalating?
HHarm
Has harm already occurred? Physical, emotional, financial, sexual? What is the severity?
RRisk
What is the risk of future harm? Based on history, circumstances, and current situation. Use professional judgement.
IInvestigation
What level of investigation is required? Can it be dealt with over the phone, or does it need officer attendance?
VVulnerability
Is the caller or victim vulnerable? Age, disability, mental health, domestic abuse, repeat victim, isolation?
EEngagement
Is the person willing to engage with police or support services? Are there barriers such as language, fear, or distrust?
When to Use THRIVE
- Grading 999/101 calls
- Assessing safeguarding referrals
- Domestic abuse risk assessment
- Missing persons initial assessment
- Informing deployment decisions
Note: THRIVE supplements — does not replace — formal risk assessments like DASH (domestic abuse) or COMPACT (missing persons).
Caution Scripts & Rights
Exact wording for cautions and rights — getting these right is essential for lawful detention and admissible evidence.
Standard Caution
On arrest or before interview
“You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
When to Caution
- On arrest
- Before formal interview
- When suspicion shifts to a new person
- When a new offence is disclosed during interview
Voluntary Attendance
“You have attended voluntarily. You are not under arrest and are free to leave at any time. However, I must caution you...”
[Then deliver the standard caution]
Rights at Custody
Read by the custody officer
“You have the right to:
- Have someone informed of your arrest.
- Consult privately with a solicitor — this is free and independent of the police.
- Consult the Codes of Practice covering police powers and procedures.”
Modified Caution
s.36/37 CJPOA 1994 — when asking to account for objects, marks, or presence
“I am arresting/have arrested you for [offence]. I am now going to ask you [about an object/mark/your presence at a place]. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to caution after discovering a new offence
- Rushing through the caution so the detainee cannot understand it
- Not re-cautioning after a break in interview
- Failing to record the exact time of caution in notebook
Mental Health Act Powers
Section 136, Section 135, and Place of Safety procedures — welfare-based powers for people in mental health crisis.
S.136 MHA 1983 — Power to Detain
Public places only
Police can detain a person in a public place who appears to be suffering from mental disorder AND is in immediate need of care or control.
Purpose: to take them to a Place of Safety for assessment.
This is NOT a criminal power — it is for the person's welfare.
S.135 MHA 1983 — Warrant to Enter
Requires magistrate's warrant
Magistrate's warrant to enter premises where someone believed to be mentally disordered is being ill-treated, neglected, or is unable to care for themselves.
Requires an AMHP (Approved Mental Health Professional) application.
Place of Safety
Should be health-based (hospital or mental health unit), NOT a custody suite.
Custody only as a last resort if the person is too violent for a health setting.
Since 2017 amendments: no under-18s may be held in custody as a Place of Safety.
Time Limits
Maximum 24 hours from arrival at Place of Safety
(Reduced from 72 hours by the 2017 amendments)
The person must be assessed by an AMHP + registered medical practitioner within this time.
Officer Responsibilities
- Stay with the detainee until handed over to health professionals
- Monitor welfare throughout the detention
- Use minimum necessary force
- Record time of detention, reasons, and handover
- Complete the s.136 form
De-escalation First
Always attempt to de-escalate before resorting to s.136 detention.
- Use a calm, measured voice
- Adopt open body language — no crossed arms
- Give the person space, don’t crowd them
- Ask: “How can I help you?”
- Listen actively — don’t rush
- Request Mental Health Crisis Team attendance alongside police
- Consider: is this really a s.136, or can the person go voluntarily?
Key Distinction
Missing Persons (MISPER) Procedures
Risk assessment, initial actions, investigation stages, and found-safe procedures for missing person enquiries.
Risk Categories
Assess risk immediately and reassess at regular intervals throughout the investigation.
No apparent risk
Person not where expected but no apparent risk of harm (e.g., teenager late home). The separate “absent” grade was discontinued by the College of Policing in 2017.
Low
No apparent risk but enough concern to warrant some police action.
Medium
Risk factors present, requires active enquiries and supervision by sergeant.
High
Risk of serious harm to subject or public, requires immediate deployment and senior oversight.
High-Risk Indicators
The presence of any of these factors should prompt a high-risk grading.
- Under 13 years old
- Expressed suicidal intent
- Suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Victim of domestic abuse
- Dependency on medication, drugs, or alcohol
- Vulnerable adult
- Out of character behaviour
- Previous high-risk MISPER
Initial Actions
Complete these as soon as a MISPER report is taken.
- Full description (clothing, distinguishing features)
- Recent photograph
- Last confirmed sighting (time, location, direction of travel)
- Mobile phone checks (last signal)
- CCTV enquiries
- Social media checks
- Check with friends, family, school, and workplace
Powers
s.17(1)(e) PACE — Enter premises without warrant to save life or limb.
Does not require suspicion of crime. Use if you believe the MISPER may be inside premises and at risk.
Investigation Stages
Initial Response
Risk assess, take report, commence enquiries.
Active Investigation
Expand search, allocate investigating officer, consider media appeal.
Review
Re-assess risk at regular intervals (6hr for high-risk, 24hr for medium).
Found Safe & Well
Actions when the missing person is located.
- Welfare check — is the person safe to return?
- Safeguarding referral if vulnerable
- Record outcome on MISPER log
- Inform all parties (family, partner agencies)
- Consider: why did they go missing? Is there an underlying issue?
Knife Crime & Weapons Response
Stop and search powers, key offences, scene management, first aid, and county lines awareness for knife-related incidents.
Stop & Search Powers
GOWISELY: Grounds, Object, Warrant card, Identity, Station, Entitlement, Legal power, You are detained.
Key Offences
s.1 Prevention of Crime Act 1953
Offensive weapon in a public place (made, adapted, or intended).
s.139 Criminal Justice Act 1988
Bladed article in a public place (no good reason).
s.139A CJA 1988
Knife on school premises.
s.1A Prevention of Crime Act 1953
Threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place.
Offensive Weapons — Definition
Three categories of offensive weapon in law.
Made for causing injury
Knuckle duster, flick knife, butterfly knife
Adapted for injury
Broken bottle, sharpened screwdriver
Intended for injury
Any object carried with intent to harm
Scene Management
- Cordon the scene immediately
- Preserve weapon in situ — do not move
- Request forensics attendance
- Photograph weapon before moving
- Bag separately from other exhibits
- Check for blood and DNA evidence
Victim First Aid
Immediate actions — keeping the casualty alive until paramedics arrive.
- Apply direct pressure to the wound
- Elevate the injury if possible
- Call ambulance immediately
- DO NOT remove an embedded weapon — stabilise it in place
- Monitor for signs of shock
- Keep the casualty warm
County Lines Awareness
Young and vulnerable people exploited to transport drugs across county borders.
Signs of exploitation:
- Unexplained money or possessions
- Absent from school or home
- Travelling alone to unfamiliar areas
- New phone or SIM card
- Unexplained injuries
NRM Referral: If you suspect exploitation, refer to the National Referral Mechanism.
Cuckooing: Drug dealers taking over a vulnerable person's home to use as a base.
Crime Scene & Evidence Preservation
Approach, cordons, CAP framework, evidence types, continuity of exhibits, and digital evidence handling.
Approach
Your first actions at the scene set the standard for the entire investigation.
- Use a single approach path to minimise contamination
- Note weather conditions, lighting, and time of arrival
- Put on gloves and overshoes before entering the scene
Cordons
CAP Framework
The three pillars of crime scene management.
Contamination
Prevent cross-contamination between scenes and people
Access
Control who enters the scene and when
Preservation
Protect evidence from destruction or degradation
Evidence Types
Continuity Chain
Every transfer must be documented. A break in continuity may mean evidence is excluded at court.
A break in continuity = evidence may be excluded at court.
Digital Evidence
Handle with extreme care — digital evidence is easily altered or destroyed.
- Don’t turn phones or computers on or off
- Put mobile devices in airplane mode or a Faraday bag
- Don’t scroll through content
- Photograph the screen if the device is on
- Request digital forensic examination
- Preserve SIM card and SD card separately
Scene Photography
Photograph BEFORE moving anything. Include a scale ruler where appropriate.
Wide shot
Context — shows the scene in its environment
Medium shot
Item in situ — shows position relative to surroundings
Close-up
Detail — shows the item or mark clearly
Counter-Terrorism Awareness
ACT awareness, threat levels, hostile reconnaissance, marauding attack response, the HOT protocol, Prevent duty, and Schedule 7 powers.
ACT — Action Counters Terrorism
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, report it.
Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789 321
Online: gov.uk/ACT
Hostile Reconnaissance Signs
Behaviour that may indicate planning for an attack.
- Photographing or filming security measures
- Testing response times
- Making sketches or notes of layouts
- Multiple visits with no apparent purpose
- Using cover stories that don’t check out
- Showing interest in security personnel
- Timing of routine activities
Threat Levels (JTAC)
Set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre. Current level published on the MI5 website.
Marauding Attack Response
Public advice:
RUN
Escape if possible
HIDE
Find cover, silence phone
TELL
Call 999
Police response:
LOCATE
Find the threat
CONTAIN
Secure the area
EVACUATE
Remove casualties
Suspicious Packages — HOT Protocol
If the answer is YES to any of these, don't touch it.
H
Has it been Hidden?
O
Is it Obviously suspicious?
T
Is it Typical for this location?
If YES to H or O, or NO to T: Don't touch. Evacuate the area. Cordon 100m+. Call control immediately.
Prevent Duty
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 — a statutory duty on the force as a “specified authority” (chief officer / PCC), cascaded to officers through force policy.
Signs of radicalisation:
- Expressing extremist views
- Accessing extremist material online
- Changes in behaviour or appearance
- Isolation from family and friends
Channel programme: Multi-agency early intervention panel for individuals identified as vulnerable to radicalisation. Make referrals through your force's Prevent lead.
Schedule 7 Powers
Terrorism Act 2000 — ports, airports, and international rail.
Domestic Abuse Response
DASH risk assessment, coercive control, positive action, Clare's Law, safety planning, and safeguarding children in domestic abuse cases.
DASH Risk Assessment
Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-based violence risk identification checklist.
Coercive Control
s.76 Serious Crime Act 2015 — max 5 years imprisonment.
Positive Action
Evidence-led prosecution — the decision to charge does not depend on the victim.
- Arrest the perpetrator where there is evidence of an offence
- Do not rely on the victim "pressing charges" — use an evidence-led approach
- Photograph all injuries (with consent)
- Seize phones and devices for evidence
- Take initial accounts from parties separately
- Complete a body-worn video account at the scene
Clare's Law (DVDS)
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme — multi-agency decision within 35 days.
Safety Planning
National DA Helpline: 0808 2000 247
24-hour freephone — run by Refuge
Children & Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 — children who see, hear, or experience DA are victims.
Operation Encompass: When police attend a domestic incident where children are present, the child's school is notified by 9am the next morning so they can provide early support.
Child Protection Referral: Always consider whether a referral to children's social care is required. Record the number, ages, and demeanour of any children present at the scene.
Stalking & Harassment
Harassment and stalking offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, stalking protection orders, digital stalking, S-DASH risk assessment, and victim safety.
Harassment — s.2 PHA 1997
Summary offence — max 6 months imprisonment.
Stalking — s.2A & s.4A PHA 1997
s.2A — Stalking (summary, max 6 months):
Harassment that amounts to stalking — includes acts associated with stalking such as:
- Following a person
- Contacting or attempting to contact a person
- Monitoring a person’s internet, email, or electronic communications
- Watching or spying on a person
- Interfering with a person’s property
- Publishing statements or material about a person
s.4A — Stalking causing fear of violence or serious alarm/distress: Indictable offence, max 10 years imprisonment.
Stalking Protection Orders
Civil order applied for by police — breach is a criminal offence (max 5 years).
Digital Stalking
Tracking apps, spyware, social media monitoring, fake accounts, AirTags.
Advise victims to:
- Check devices for unknown or unfamiliar apps (tracking/spyware)
- Change all passwords — email, social media, banking
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Check for unknown Bluetooth devices (e.g., AirTags) on belongings and vehicle
- Review location-sharing settings on all devices
- Report fake social media accounts to the platform
S-DASH Risk Assessment
Stalking-specific risk identification tool — key factors to assess.
Victim Safety Advice
- Vary daily routine and routes
- Document every incident with dates, times, and details
- Save all evidence — screenshots, voicemails, letters, gifts
- Report to Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
- Consider a Stalking Protection Order application
- Inform trusted friends, family, and employer
Hate Crime
The five monitored strands, perception-based recording, sentence uplift, evidence gathering, community impact, and third-party reporting channels.
Five Monitored Strands
Any criminal offence motivated by hostility towards one of these characteristics.
Perception-Based Recording
If ANY person perceives that the offence was motivated by hostility, it MUST be recorded as a hate crime.
The victim does not need to be the person making the complaint. No evidence of hostility is required at the recording stage — perception is sufficient.
Sentence Uplift
s.66 Sentencing Act 2020 — statutory aggravating factor.
The court must treat hostility based on a protected characteristic as an aggravating factor when sentencing. The court must state in open court that the sentence has been uplifted and by how much.
Evidence Gathering
- Record exact words used — verbatim, in quotation marks
- Note the context, tone, and apparent intent
- Identify and speak to all witnesses
- Check for online activity — social media posts, messages
- Photograph graffiti, criminal damage, or offensive material
- Preserve all digital evidence — screenshots with timestamps
Community Impact
Hate crimes affect whole communities, not just individual victims. A single hate crime can cause fear and anxiety across an entire group.
Consider: Community impact assessment, reassurance patrols, engagement with community leaders, and liaison with neighbourhood policing teams.
Third-Party Reporting
True Vision
Online third-party reporting for hate crime
report-it.org.uk
Stop Hate UK
24-hour helpline for hate crime victims
0800 138 1625
Tell MAMA
Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks — specialist support
tellmamauk.org
Child Safeguarding
Recognising signs of abuse, FGM mandatory reporting, Sarah's Law, strategy discussions, MASH referrals, and Operation Encompass.
Signs of Abuse
Four categories of child abuse — be alert to indicators in every interaction.
FGM Mandatory Reporting
s.5B Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 — a duty on regulated professionals, not on police officers.
Sarah's Law (CSODS)
Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme — multi-agency decision to disclose.
Strategy Discussion
Joint police and children's social care decision-making.
MASH Referral
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub — single point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
The MASH brings together police, children's social care, health, and education professionals to share information and make timely, coordinated decisions about safeguarding referrals. All concerns about a child's welfare should be referred to the MASH.
Operation Encompass
When police attend a domestic incident where children are present, the child's school is notified by 9am the next morning. This allows the school to provide immediate, silent support.
Officer action: Ensure all children present at a domestic incident are recorded on the incident log with their names, dates of birth, and school details.
Public Order
Public Order Act 1986 offences, policing protests, PSU deployment levels, containment powers, and officer safety equipment.
Public Order Act 1986 — Offences
From most serious (s.1) to least serious (s.5).
12+ people, common purpose, use or threat of unlawful violence
Max: 10 years
3+ people present together, use or threat of unlawful violence
Max: 5 years
Use or threat of unlawful violence towards another person
Max: 3 years
Threatening, abusive, or insulting words/behaviour towards another
Max: 6 months
Intentional harassment, alarm, or distress using threatening/abusive words/behaviour
Max: 6 months
Threatening or abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress
Max: Fine only
Policing Protests
Balancing the right to protest (Art 10/11 ECHR) with public safety.
PSU Deployment Levels
Police Support Unit structure: 1 Inspector, 3 Sergeants, 18 PCs + 3 medics.
Level 1
Mutual aid deployment. Full PSU kit: NATO helmet, flame-resistant suit, shields, limb protectors.
Level 2
Force-level deployment. Basic PSU equipment, ready to escalate to Level 1 if required.
Level 3
Local deployment. High-visibility policing, community reassurance, low-level disorder.
Containment (“Kettling”)
Officer Safety & Equipment
Never remove your helmet number. Always know your exit routes.
- NATO helmet with visor
- Flame-resistant oversuit
- Long shield or round shield
- Limb protectors (forearm and shin guards)
- Fire-resistant gloves
- Mutual aid card with force details
Never remove your helmet number. Ensure your mutual aid card is completed and carried at all times.
Drink & Drug Driving Procedures
Roadside testing, station procedures, legal limits, drug driving powers, and practical tips for drink/drug driving investigations.
Bail & Release Options
Pre-charge bail, released under investigation, post-charge bail, conditions, and breach procedures.
Bail Conditions Reference
Where the suspect must live for the duration of bail.
Specific hours they must remain at their home address.
Places or streets the suspect must avoid.
Specific people the suspect must not approach or communicate with.
Prevent flight abroad — passport held by police.
Regular check-ins at a named station on specified days/times.
PEACE Interview Model
The structured interview framework used across UK policing — Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation.
PPlanning & Preparation
- Research the offence and the suspect’s background (PNC, intelligence).
- Review all available evidence: CCTV, witness statements, forensics, digital.
- Plan question topics and sequence — what are the points to prove?
- Legal framework check: what elements of the offence need to be established?
- Prepare the room, recording equipment, and documentation (MG15).
- Consider: is the suspect vulnerable? Is an Appropriate Adult needed?
EEngage & Explain
- Build rapport — introduce yourself, offer a drink, check comfort.
- Explain the process: the interview is being recorded, their legal rights, and the structure of what will happen.
- Re-administer the caution and confirm the suspect understands it.
- If an Appropriate Adult is present, confirm their role.
- Keep the tone professional but human — rapport improves the quality of accounts.
AAccount, Clarification & Challenge
- Start with an open account: “Tell me in your own words what happened.”
- Allow the suspect to give an uninterrupted narrative — do not cut them off.
- Clarify: “You mentioned X — can you tell me more about that?”
- Challenge inconsistencies with evidence: “We have CCTV showing Y — can you explain?”
- Don’t argue — present evidence calmly and let the suspect respond.
- Use the TED approach: Tell me, Explain, Describe.
CClosure
- Summarise what was said and check accuracy with the suspect.
- Ask: “Is there anything else you want to say or add?”
- Explain what happens next: bail decision, further investigation, CPS referral.
- Check the suspect’s welfare before ending.
- End the recording properly and seal the master copy.
EEvaluation
- Assess: was the account reliable? What was confirmed or denied?
- What further enquiries are now needed?
- Write up the interview summary (MG15 form).
- Brief your supervisor on the outcome and next steps.
- Review your own performance — what went well, what could improve?
Key Principles
Core rules that apply throughout every PEACE interview.
- Open questions before closed questions — get their account first.
- Silence is OK — don’t rush to fill it. Let the suspect think.
- Never promise outcomes (“If you tell me, I’ll let you go”).
- Record significant statements made outside of interview.
- Special warnings under s.36/37 CJPOA 1994 if appropriate (failure to account for objects, marks, or presence).
- Legal adviser has the right to be present throughout (PACE Code C).
Powers of Entry
Key police powers to enter premises — with and without warrant. Know your legal authority before you cross the threshold.
Enter to Arrest
Enter and search premises to arrest a person for an indictable offence, or to recapture a person unlawfully at large.
Must have reasonable grounds to believe the person is on the premises.
Save Life or Prevent Serious Damage
Enter premises to save life or limb, or to prevent serious damage to property.
The broadest entry power. Commonly used for welfare checks when there is genuine concern for life.
Arrest for Specified Offences
Enter and search premises to arrest a person for one of the offences specified in s.17(1)(c) — for example an offence under s.4 of the Public Order Act 1986 (fear or provocation of violence).
Limited to the specific offences listed in s.17(1)(c). (s.17(1)(cb) is a separate power, to recapture a person unlawfully at large.)
Search After Arrest
Search premises occupied or controlled by a person under arrest for an indictable offence.
Requires Inspector authority (can be given orally and confirmed in writing). The search must be connected to the offence of arrest.
Search on Arrest
Enter and search premises the arrested person was in immediately before or at the time of arrest.
Limited to searching for evidence relating to the offence for which the person was arrested.
Warrant from Magistrate
Apply to a Justice of the Peace for a warrant to enter and search premises for evidence of an indictable offence.
Written application required with reasonable grounds. The warrant specifies the premises and articles sought.
Drug Search Warrant
Warrant to enter and search premises for controlled drugs.
Issued by a Justice of the Peace. Authorises search of premises and any persons found therein.
Mental Health Warrant
Warrant to enter premises to remove a person believed to be suffering from a mental disorder and being ill-treated, neglected, or kept otherwise than under proper control.
Must be accompanied by an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and a doctor.
Breach of the Peace
Enter premises to prevent or deal with a breach of the peace that is occurring or is imminent.
A common law power — use when violence is happening or about to happen and entry is necessary to prevent it.
Always record your legal authority for entry. Lack of lawful authority renders the search unlawful and evidence obtained may be excluded under s.78 PACE. Note the power used, the time of entry, and your grounds in your pocket notebook.
Road Traffic Collision Response
Scene safety, priorities, driver procedures, evidence preservation, and fatal collision protocols for responding to RTCs.
Disclosure & CPIA Guide
Your duty to record, retain, review, and reveal material under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996.
The prosecution has a legal duty to share material with the defence. This is governed by the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA).
There are two types of material:
- Used material — evidence the prosecution relies upon at trial
- Unused material — material obtained during investigation but not used as evidence, which may assist the defence or undermine the prosecution
Failure to disclose properly can lead to cases being thrown out, wrongful convictions being overturned, and disciplinary action against officers.
Statement Writing Guide (MG11)
How to write accurate, admissible witness statements — from MG11 structure and first person past tense rules to court admissibility and writing under pressure.
The MG11 is the standard witness statement form used by all UK police forces. Every statement must follow this structure to be court-admissible.
1. Heading Block
Full name, date of birth, address, occupation. For officers: collar number, rank, station, and duty status at time of incident. Always include the URN (Unique Reference Number) in the top right.
2. Preamble
The standard opening: "This statement (consisting of [X] pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfully stated anything in it which I know to be false, or do not believe to be true."
3. Body Paragraphs
Numbered paragraphs, one topic per paragraph. Chronological order. First person, past tense throughout. Include times, locations, descriptions, and actions taken.
4. Exhibit References
Each exhibit must be referenced in the body and labelled with your initials and a sequential number (e.g., AB/1, AB/2). Describe what the exhibit is at the point you introduce it.
5. Signature Block
Sign and date every page at the bottom. The final page includes your full signature, date, and the witness taking the statement signs and dates to confirm they have witnessed you sign.
Giving Evidence in Court
A complete guide for police officers giving evidence — from taking the oath and examination-in-chief to handling cross-examination, court etiquette, and common pitfalls.
Magistrates' Court
Deals with summary offences and some either-way offences. Cases are heard by a bench of 2–3 lay magistrates or a single District Judge. There is no jury. Sentences are limited to 12 months' custody for a single either-way offence, which is also the overall aggregate cap for multiple either-way offences (there is no 24-month aggregate; this magistrates' limit has changed several times recently — verify the current figure). Most police officers will give the majority of their court evidence here.
- Less formal atmosphere than Crown Court
- Proceedings tend to be quicker
- Clerk of the Court advises the bench on law
Crown Court
Deals with indictable offences and either-way offences committed for trial. Cases are heard by a jury of 12 members of the public, presided over by a Crown Court Judge or Recorder. Sentences are unlimited (up to maximum for the offence).
- Far more formal — robes, wigs (in some courts), strict procedure
- Evidence is given from the witness box, facing the jury
- Cross-examination is typically more rigorous and longer
- Jury must be convinced beyond reasonable doubt
Fraud & Cyber Crime Guide
Operational guide for frontline officers — Action Fraud referrals, common fraud types, cyber crime basics, device seizure, and digital evidence preservation.
Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, operated by the City of London Police. It feeds intelligence to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which analyses reports and disseminates packages to forces for investigation.
When to refer to Action Fraud:
- Victim has suffered a financial loss through fraud or deception
- Attempted fraud where no loss occurred but a crime has been committed
- Cyber crime offences (hacking, malware, ransomware, online fraud)
- Business email compromise or mandate fraud
- Investment, romance, or advance fee fraud
How to report: Online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Victims receive a Police Reference Number (NFRC). Officers should advise victims to keep all evidence (emails, texts, bank statements, receipts) before reporting.
NFIB Intelligence
The NFIB identifies patterns across thousands of reports. A report that appears minor in isolation may link to an organised crime group targeting multiple victims across force boundaries. Always encourage reporting even when local investigation is unlikely.
Digital Evidence Guide
Device seizure, digital forensic imaging, cloud evidence, social media preservation, and disclosure of digital material — practical guidance for frontline officers.
The ACPO (now NPCC) Good Practice Guide for Digital Evidence sets out four core principles that govern all digital evidence handling:
Principle 1 — No Action Should Change Data
No action taken by law enforcement agencies or their agents should change data held on a computer or storage media which may subsequently be relied upon in court.
Principle 2 — Competent Person
In exceptional circumstances where it is necessary to access original data, the person doing so must be competent to do so and be able to give evidence explaining the relevance and implications of their actions.
Principle 3 — Audit Trail
An audit trail or other record of all processes applied to digital evidence should be created and preserved. An independent third party should be able to examine those processes and achieve the same result.
Principle 4 — Overall Responsibility
The person in charge of the investigation has overall responsibility for ensuring the law and these principles are adhered to.
These principles underpin all UK digital forensic practice. Departure from them without documented justification will be challenged in court and may result in evidence being ruled inadmissible.
Anti-Social Behaviour Powers Guide
A plain-English guide to the ASB powers available to officers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and related legislation — from warnings through to court orders.
Warnings, Notices & Orders: CPW, CPN, PSPO
A written warning that a person's behaviour is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those nearby. Issued by police or local council. It is informal — no penalty attaches to the warning itself, but it is required before a CPN can be issued.
Issuing authority: Police officer or PCSO, local authority officer
- Must specify the conduct in question and what must stop or change
- The recipient has an opportunity to change behaviour before escalation
- No right of appeal at this stage — it is a warning, not a legal notice
- Can be issued to an individual, a business, or a body corporate
A formal notice prohibiting or requiring specific conduct. It must be proportionate and necessary. A CPW must normally have been issued first. Breach of a CPN is a criminal offence.
Issuing authority: Police officer or PCSO (Inspector+ authorisation), local authority officer
- Issued under s.43 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
- Can prohibit specific activities or require positive action (e.g. clear waste)
- Breach is a fixed penalty notice offence or summary conviction up to level 4 fine
- Recipient can appeal to a magistrates' court within 21 days
- Forces can seize items associated with the breach on arrest
A council-issued order restricting specified activities in a defined public area. Common uses include alcohol restriction zones, dog control areas, and restricting congregation in specific locations. Police and council officers enforce them.
Issuing authority: Issued by local council; enforced by police, PCSOs, and authorised council officers
- Issued under s.59 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
- Must have public consultation before being made
- Lasts up to 3 years and can be renewed
- Breach is a fixed penalty notice offence (up to £100) or summary conviction (up to level 3 fine)
- Police can confiscate alcohol consumed in breach of a PSPO alcohol restriction
Closure Orders
Closure powers allow police (and courts) to close premises that are causing significant nuisance or disorder. There are two stages:
Police Closure Notice
Issued where premises have been associated with disorder or nuisance within the preceding 3 months, or are likely to be used for disorder/nuisance imminently. The notice prohibits access to specified persons or all persons. Must be followed by a court application within 48 hours.
Magistrates' Court Closure Order
Closes premises for up to 3 months. The court must be satisfied the premises have been used in connection with disorder, serious nuisance, or persistent disorder/nuisance. Can be extended to a maximum of 6 months total. Breach is an arrestable offence.
Dispersal Powers (ss.34–35 ASB Act 2014)
- Authorised under ss.34–35 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
- An Inspector (or above) can authorise a dispersal zone for up to 48 hours
- The Inspector must reasonably believe that members of the public have been, or are likely to be, harassed, alarmed, or distressed
- The authorisation must specify the geographic area — it cannot cover the whole force area
- Constables and PCSOs in the zone can direct individuals to leave and not return for up to 48 hours
- Failure to comply without reasonable excuse is a summary offence (up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine not exceeding level 4) under s.39 ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014
- Seizure of items (e.g. alcohol, noise-making equipment) is permitted in certain circumstances
- The power cannot be used to disperse people exercising a lawful right to assemble or to protest
- Under-18s dispersed after 9pm to a place of safety may be escorted by police to a responsible adult
Community Trigger / ASB Case Review
- Introduced by s.104 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 — also known as the ASB Case Review
- Victims who have made 3 or more qualifying reports within 6 months can activate the trigger if the problem persists
- The threshold varies slightly by local area — some areas allow activation after fewer incidents
- The trigger forces a multi-agency review involving police, local authority, and relevant social landlords
- Reviewers must make recommendations to address the ASB if the threshold is met
- Designed to ensure persistent victims are not ignored and receive a coordinated response
- Victims can complain if they believe the review process has not been followed correctly
Court Orders: Civil Injunctions and CBOs
A court order prohibiting or requiring specified conduct. Can be applied for by police, local authority, or social landlord in the county court (adults) or youth court (under 18s). No criminal conviction required — the civil standard of proof applies (balance of probabilities). Breach is contempt of court — not a criminal offence — but can lead to imprisonment.
Can include positive requirements as well as prohibitions. Can also impose an electronic monitoring condition.
Available following any criminal conviction where the court is satisfied the defendant has engaged in behaviour that caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress. Replaces the old ASBO on conviction. The prosecution applies for it on behalf of the relevant authority.
Can include positive requirements (e.g. attend a programme). Must last at least 1 year. Breach is a criminal offence — up to 5 years imprisonment on indictment.
Common ASB Types
Noise nuisance
Loud music, parties, barking dogs, machinery noise. Often a council/noise team issue but police can act where public order or distress is caused.
Street harassment
Verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, intimidation of individuals in public. May also engage public order offences or hate crime legislation.
Vandalism / criminal damage
Graffiti, damage to property, vehicle crime. Criminal offence independently — ASB powers may also apply where part of a pattern.
Fly-tipping
Illegal dumping of waste. Environmental crime — council lead but police can assist and CPN can require clearance.
Rowdy / nuisance behaviour
Groups causing fear or intimidation, rough sleeping with associated behaviour, street drinking. Dispersal powers and PSPOs most relevant.
Recording and Evidence: Building an ASB Case
- Maintain an ASB log: date, time, location, nature of behaviour, witnesses, any officers present
- Victim impact statements are essential — courts and panels take these seriously
- Pattern evidence is critical: isolated incidents are harder to act on than repeated conduct
- Body-worn video footage should be preserved and downloaded promptly
- Neighbourhood policing teams should maintain intelligence logs to support later applications for CPNs, PSPOs, or court orders
- Encourage victims to keep their own diary and report every incident — many do not report for fear of worsening things
- Multi-agency information sharing is key: housing, council, and police intelligence must be pooled
Officer Safety / PST Refresher — Operational Guide
A comprehensive refresher covering Personal Safety Training, handcuffing, prone restraint risks, conflict management, Taser, spit guards, and post-incident responsibilities.
Annual PST
Mandatory refresher every 12 months. Missing it can mean withdrawal of authority to carry equipment.
Prone Risk
Get subjects off their front as quickly as possible. Monitor breathing continuously once restrained.
NDM First
Every use of force decision must be framed against the National Decision Model. Lowest proportionate option first.
PST Topics — Expandable Reference
Select any topic to expand the detailed guidance. All content reflects College of Policing PST framework.
What Must Be Recorded on a Use of Force Form
Every use of force — including handcuffing — requires a record. These are the minimum required fields.
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Date, time, and location | Precise as possible — include full address or grid reference for dynamic incidents. |
| Subject description and identity | Name if known, otherwise physical description. Ethnicity (self-defined where possible). |
| Reason for use of force | Specific threat or behaviour that justified force — not generic phrases like 'risk of harm'. |
| Type of force used | Handcuffing, physical hold, baton strike, PAVA, Taser (red-dot or full), spit guard, etc. |
| Duration of force / restraint | How long was force applied? How long in prone position? |
| Injuries caused or observed | To subject and officers. Any medical treatment requested or provided. |
| BWV reference | Footage preserved? If not, why not? |
| Supervising officer notified | When and how? Were they present? |
Modern Slavery & NRM Referral — Operational Guide
A guide for police officers on identifying modern slavery, understanding the National Referral Mechanism, and fulfilling First Responder duties under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
What is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery encompasses several distinct but overlapping forms of exploitation, all involving control, coercion, and the removal of personal freedom.
Human trafficking
Recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring, or receiving persons by threat, force, fraud, or abuse of power for exploitation. Movement across borders is not required — internal trafficking is equally illegal.
Forced labour
Work or services extracted under threat, menace, or penalty. Common in agriculture, construction, food processing, car washes, and domestic work. Victims often controlled via debt bondage.
Domestic servitude
Victims (often women) are forced to carry out domestic tasks in private households, controlled by the employer/household. Isolation is a key feature — victims rarely leave the property.
Sexual exploitation
Controlling, arranging, or facilitating sexual activity for financial gain. Victims may appear to be acting voluntarily — coercion is often hidden. Look for signs of control by a third party.
Criminal exploitation
Forcing victims to commit crimes, including drug supply (county lines), shoplifting, cannabis cultivation, benefit fraud, and pickpocketing. Often involves children — child criminal exploitation (CCE).
Organ harvesting
Rare in the UK but recognised internationally. Victims are transported and coerced into providing organs for transplant. A specialist referral pathway exists.
Indicators of Modern Slavery
No single indicator confirms modern slavery. Multiple indicators across categories should raise significant concern. Officers should record specific observations, not conclusions.
Physical Signs
- Unexplained injuries or signs of physical abuse
- Malnourishment or dehydration
- Branding marks or tattoos indicating ownership
- Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or season
- Dental decay, untreated medical conditions
- Exhaustion, appearing heavily sedated
- Signs of sexual exploitation (STIs, pregnancy)
Behavioural Signs
- Fearful, anxious, submissive, or avoidant
- Scripted or rehearsed answers to questions
- Unwilling to discuss personal circumstances
- Third party speaks for them, controls documents
- Does not know their own address or location
- Apparent lack of freedom to come and go
- Does not appear to be in control of their own money
- Uses language suggesting they owe a debt
Environmental Signs
- Overcrowded or unsuitable accommodation
- Appears to live at place of work
- Multiple people sharing a single address (cuckooing indicator)
- Locked in premises or unable to leave freely
- Few personal possessions, no ID documents
- Transported in controlled groups
- Poor sanitation, inadequate food
First Responder Duty & NRM Referral Process
All police officers are designated First Responders under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. You have a legal duty to refer suspected victims into the NRM. This is not optional.
Officer identifies indicators of modern slavery. Victim does not need to self-identify — officers can and should refer where indicators are present even if the person denies being a victim.
For adults who do not consent to an NRM referral, police have a duty to notify the Home Office (via the UKVI referral route) of the suspected victim. This does not require victim consent. Applies only to adults.
First Responders (including all police officers) complete the online NRM referral via the Modern Slavery Victim Care referral system. Include all indicators observed, victim account (if obtained), and supporting evidence. A victim must consent to NRM referral (adults) or referral is made automatically (children under 18).
The referral is assessed by the Single Competent Authority (SCA — part of the Home Office). They decide whether to accept it to the NRM process. The SCA makes two decisions: Reasonable Grounds and then Conclusive Grounds.
Within 5 working days: SCA decides whether there are reasonable grounds to believe the person is a victim of modern slavery. If positive: the victim enters the National Referral Mechanism and receives support (accommodation, financial support, legal advice) via the Salvation Army 'Victim Care Contract'.
After the 'recovery and reflection period' (minimum 45 days for adults): SCA makes a Conclusive Grounds decision — whether on the balance of probabilities the person is a confirmed victim. A positive conclusive grounds decision provides longer-term support and can assist immigration applications.
Additional Guidance — Key Topics
Key Legislation
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
MSA 2015 s.1 | Slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour — maximum life sentence. |
MSA 2015 s.2 | Human trafficking — arranging or facilitating travel with a view to exploitation. Maximum life sentence. |
MSA 2015 s.45 | Statutory defence for victims who commit an offence as a direct consequence of being a victim of slavery or trafficking. |
MSA 2015 s.52 | Duty to Notify — police and specified public authorities must notify the Secretary of State of suspected adult victims who do not consent to NRM. |
MSA 2015 s.54 | Transparency in supply chains — commercial organisations over a certain turnover must publish an annual slavery and trafficking statement. |
Children Act 1989 | Child safeguarding duties engaged where victim is under 18 — NRM referral is automatic; s.47 enquiries must be considered. |
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion — Policing Guide
A guide for police officers and staff on the Equality Act 2010, protected characteristics, and EDI considerations specific to the policing environment — including menopause, neurodiversity, race, and LGBT+ issues.
The 9 Protected Characteristics — Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the basis of nine protected characteristics. All nine apply to police officers and staff in their employment relationship, and most apply in service delivery to the public.
Age
Covers all ages — not just older workers. Applies to direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. Relevant in recruitment, promotion, and deployment decisions.
Disability
Physical and mental impairments that have a substantial, long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities. Forces have a duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Gender reassignment
Applies to anyone proposing to, undergoing, or having undergone transition. Officers who are transitioning are protected from discrimination and harassment.
Marriage and civil partnership
In the workplace context, protects against discrimination because a person is married or in a civil partnership. Relevant to benefits and leave policies.
Pregnancy and maternity
Protected from the start of pregnancy through maternity leave. Operational deployment decisions during pregnancy must consider individual risk assessments.
Race
Includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin. Disproportionality in stop and search, use of force, and internal discipline are ongoing concerns.
Religion or belief
Includes religious belief and philosophical belief (e.g., veganism if sincerely held). Covers absence for religious observance and uniform/appearance requirements.
Sex
Applies to both men and women. Equal pay, PPE provision, and operational deployment must be assessed without sex-based assumptions.
Sexual orientation
Covers gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual people. Officers must not be subjected to different treatment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation.
EDI Topics — Detailed Guidance
Positive Action vs. Positive Discrimination
Positive action (lawful) aims to increase diversity; positive discrimination (unlawful) involves treating someone more favourably solely because of a protected characteristic regardless of merit.
| Action | Lawful? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted outreach | Lawful | Advertising in publications aimed at underrepresented groups. |
| Mentoring schemes | Lawful | Providing mentoring specifically to underrepresented groups. |
| Tie-break positive action | Lawful | Where two candidates are equally qualified, selecting the candidate from an underrepresented group (s.159 EA 2010). |
| Guaranteed interview schemes | Lawful | Guaranteed interview for disabled candidates meeting minimum criteria. |
| Quotas | Unlawful | Setting a fixed numerical requirement for a protected group — unlawful positive discrimination. |
| Lower standards for protected groups | Unlawful | Applying different pass marks or physical standards based on protected characteristics. |
| Automatic preference | Unlawful | Automatically selecting a candidate purely because of a protected characteristic, without genuine equal merit assessment. |
Key Legal Framework
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
EA 2010 s.4 | Lists the nine protected characteristics. |
EA 2010 s.13 | Direct discrimination — less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic. |
EA 2010 s.19 | Indirect discrimination — a provision, criterion, or practice that puts those with a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage. |
EA 2010 s.20-21 | Duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled persons. |
EA 2010 s.149 | Public Sector Equality Duty — forces must have due regard to equality in exercising their functions. |
EA 2010 s.158-159 | Positive action provisions — lawful targeted recruitment and tie-break selection. |
GRA 2004 | Gender Recognition Act — allows legal change of gender. Force records must be updated on receipt of a Gender Recognition Certificate. |
Police Regs 2003 reg.33/29 | Maternity, paternity, adoption and parental LEAVE is reg.33; maternity PAY is reg.29. (Reg.22 is 'Duty', not leave.) |
Police Driving Qualifications Pathway
A guide for UK police officers on the driving qualification pathway — from standard patrol to advanced pursuit authority — covering eligibility, courses, blue light exemptions, and maintaining authorities.
Police Driving Levels Overview
Police driving authority is granted in tiers. Each tier requires specific training and assessment. Exceeding your authorised level is a conduct matter and a criminal risk.
| Level | Blue Lights | Pursuit | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No | Included in IPLDP | Basic patrol driving. Required to have a full UK licence. Covers everyday patrol vehicle use with no exemptions. |
| Response | Yes | No | ~3 weeks | Permits use of emergency equipment (blues and twos) under s.87 RTRA 1984. Road Traffic Act exemptions apply. Does not automatically authorise pursuit. |
| Advanced | Yes | Yes | ~4–5 weeks | Pursuit-rated authority. Tactical options training. Full risk assessment methodology during pursuits. Required for roads policing units. |
| Tactical (TPAC) | Yes | Yes | Additional to Advanced | Tactical Pursuit and Containment. Covers stinger deployment, vehicle containment strategies. Specialist roads policing only. |
| Authorised Firearms Driver | Yes | Force-specific | Additional module | Required for ARV/SCO19 deployment. Covers high-risk vehicle approaches, armed stops. Separate authority to AFO qualification. |
How to Apply for a Driving Course
Most forces require a minimum of 2 years' service before applying for response driving. A clean driving licence (no current endorsements that affect driving authority) is typically required. Check your force's driver development policy for specific requirements.
Driving courses are allocated via an internal posting or application process. Express interest through your line manager. Places are often competitive — demonstrate operational need and a good performance record.
Selection may involve a written application, supervisor nomination, and a pre-course driving assessment. Some forces use a graded assessment to confirm readiness before committing a course place.
Courses are run by force driving schools (or contracted providers). Waiting lists can be significant — particularly for advanced. Plan your development pathway early.
Course Content — What to Expect
Key Legislation
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
s.87 RTRA 1984 | Exempts emergency vehicles from certain road traffic regulations when responding to emergencies. The primary blue light exemption provision. |
s.44 RTRA 1984 | Permits Secretary of State to make regulations governing speed limits for emergency vehicles. |
s.2 RTA 1988 | Dangerous driving — no exemption applies. Officers remain personally criminally liable. |
s.3 RTA 1988 | Careless or inconsiderate driving — no exemption applies. |
s.3ZB RTA 1988 | Causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified, or uninsured. |
NPCC Pursuit Policy | National guidance on the management and authorisation of vehicle pursuits. Must be read alongside force-specific pursuit policies. |
Personal Accountability
No force policy, supervisor instruction, or pursuit authority removes your personal criminal and civil liability for the standard of your driving. If you are ever instructed to drive in a manner you believe is dangerous, you have the right — and the professional duty — to refuse. Your driving qualifications do not provide immunity; they provide authority to use skills responsibly.
RIPA & Surveillance Powers Guide
A guide for UK police officers on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and related surveillance powers — covering directed and intrusive surveillance, CHIS management, communications data, and the necessity and proportionality test.
RIPA Overview — What It Governs
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) — supplemented and partly replaced by the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA 2016) — establishes the statutory framework within which law enforcement may lawfully conduct covert surveillance, acquire communications data, and manage covert human intelligence sources.
Why RIPA exists
Prior to RIPA 2000, covert surveillance had no statutory basis. Following the Human Rights Act 1998 (Article 8 — right to private life), a legal framework was needed to make surveillance lawful. RIPA provides that framework by requiring necessity, proportionality, and independent oversight.
RIPA vs. IPA 2016
The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 updated and supplemented RIPA, particularly for bulk data, equipment interference, and judicial oversight. RIPA 2000 remains in force for directed surveillance, CHIS management, and covert human intelligence.
Who is subject to RIPA
All public authorities (including police forces) that conduct or authorise covert activities. Individual officers who conduct surveillance without authority are personally accountable.
Key principle
Any surveillance that could obtain private information about a person must be authorised. The more intrusive the surveillance, the higher the authority required and the greater the scrutiny applied.
Surveillance Powers — Authorisation Summary
| Power | Authorising Officer | Judicial Approval | Duration | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directed Surveillance | Superintendent (or above) | No (except some covert internet) | 3 months | Yes — Superintendent |
| Intrusive Surveillance | Chief Constable | Yes — Judicial Commissioner | 3 months | Yes — Judicial Commissioner |
| CHIS | Superintendent (or above) | No (for authorisation) | 12 months (juvenile CHIS 4 months) | Yes — regular review |
| Communications Data | Designated Senior Officer (DSO) | Yes — OCDA / judicial authorisation | Specific to request | As needed |
| Equipment Interference | Secretary of State / IPC | Yes — Judicial Commissioner | 6 months | Yes |
Note: Timescales and specific requirements may vary. Always consult your force RIPA co-ordinator for current procedures.
Surveillance Powers — Detailed Guidance
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
RIPA compliance failures can result in evidence being excluded, criminal liability for individual officers, and institutional embarrassment. These are the most frequently identified issues.
Using directed surveillance without authorisation
Simply watching someone covertly in a planned way without RIPA authority is unlawful. Officers who conduct surveillance without authorisation expose themselves to personal liability and render any evidence gathered potentially inadmissible. 'I only watched them for a bit' is not a defence.
Proportionality not evidenced in the application
The authorisation must explicitly explain why the intrusion is proportionate to the objective. A general statement that the target is suspected of a serious offence is not sufficient — the document must address why this level of intrusion, and why now, is proportionate.
Failing to cancel when no longer necessary
Directed surveillance authorities must be cancelled as soon as the operation is complete or the surveillance is no longer necessary. Allowing authorities to run beyond operational necessity is unlawful. Officers responsible for the authority must review and cancel promptly.
Social media monitoring crossing into surveillance
Passive monitoring of public social media posts is not surveillance. However, setting up a false profile, using OSINT tools to covertly monitor a specific individual systematically over time, or accessing private content without authority may constitute directed surveillance or require CHIS management. Take legal advice before conducting systematic online monitoring.
Handler/controller role confusion in CHIS
CHIS management requires separate handler and controller functions. A handler cannot also be their own CHIS's controller. The controller provides independent oversight. Conflating these roles is a compliance failure and may invalidate the CHIS authority.
Treating communications data as content
Communications data (who contacted whom, when, cell site data) is separately regulated from the content of communications. Acquiring content (reading messages, listening to calls) requires a separate, higher authority — typically a warrant under IPA 2016. Do not confuse the two.
Key Legislation
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
RIPA 2000 Part II | Directed and intrusive surveillance, and CHIS — the primary source of authority for covert policing techniques. |
RIPA 2000 s.26 | Definitions of directed and intrusive surveillance. |
RIPA 2000 s.29 | Authorisation of CHIS. |
IPA 2016 Part 2 | Interception of communications (content) — warrants required, regulated separately from communications data. |
IPA 2016 Part 3 | Acquisition of communications data (metadata). |
IPA 2016 Part 5 | Equipment interference — the most restricted power. |
CHIS Act 2021 | Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act — authorises CHIS to commit certain criminal acts. |
ECHR Art.8 | Right to respect for private and family life — the fundamental right that RIPA exists to balance against law enforcement need. |
COPO 2010 (Surveillance) | Code of Practice for Covert Surveillance and Property Interference — issued under RIPA, provides detailed operational guidance. |
Out-of-Court Disposals — Operational Guide
A guide to OOCDs, covering the two-tier framework, disposal types, decision-making criteria, recording obligations, and common pitfalls.
Overview — What are OOCDs?
Out-of-Court Disposals are outcomes that deal with an offence without a formal prosecution through the courts. They are designed to be proportionate, efficient, and where possible rehabilitative.
Tier 1 — Lower Level
Tier 2 — More Serious
Disposal Types — Detailed Guidance
Youth Cautions & Conditional Cautions
Youth-specific disposals under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). YOT involvement is a key feature.
Replaces the reprimand and final warning system. First or second offence where offence is not serious. Automatic referral to YOT where offence is not minor. No conditions attached.
Conditions may be attached — similar to adult Conditional Caution. YOT must be consulted. CPS involvement required. Consent of parent/guardian for under-17s.
Available for young people as for adults. YOT involvement recommended for persistent young offenders or where safeguarding concerns exist.
Where the gravity of the offence and individual circumstances do not warrant any formal disposal. Document the rationale fully.
Cannabis Warnings
Cannabis warnings (cannabis possession — first offence) are a Tier 1 informal disposal. Force policy varies significantly.
Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs)
Fixed penalties for specified offences. Non-payment results in a fine of 1.5× the notice amount, enforceable by the courts.
| Offence | Amount |
|---|---|
| Drunk and disorderly | £90 |
| Possession of cannabis (first offence — force policy varies) | £90 |
| Minor public order (threatening/abusive words — s.5 POA 1986) | £90 |
| Throwing fireworks | £90 |
| Wasting police time | £90 |
| Misuse of public communications network (low level) | £90 |
Decision-Making Framework
These factors must be considered when selecting any OOCD. Document your assessment of each factor.
| Factor | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Seriousness of offence | Use force gravity matrix. The more serious the offence, the less appropriate an OOCD. Some offences are not suitable for OOCDs — e.g., domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual offences, serious violence. |
| Public interest | Is it in the public interest to prosecute? A single minor first offence in a cooperative adult with no history may not warrant court proceedings. |
| Victim views | Victim must be consulted. Their preference for a prosecution should generally be respected. Restorative options require victim agreement. |
| Offender history | Check PNC. Previous OOCDs for similar offences reduce the appropriateness of another OOCD. Repeat offenders should generally be prosecuted. |
| Offender admission | Most OOCDs require an admission of the offence. If the offender denies it, only prosecution or NFA are available. |
| Vulnerability | Consider the offender's age, mental health, and vulnerability. An OOCD may not be appropriate where the person lacks capacity to understand it. Seek safeguarding advice. |
Recording — PNC, DBS, and Rehabilitation Periods
Community Resolution
PNC
Not recorded as a conviction on PNC
DBS
May appear on Enhanced DBS if relevant
Rehabilitation
No formal rehabilitation period
Simple Caution
PNC
Recorded on PNC
DBS
Appears on Enhanced DBS. Standard DBS — depends on offence
Rehabilitation
Spent immediately under ROA 1974 (as amended 2012)
Conditional Caution
PNC
Recorded on PNC
DBS
Appears on Enhanced DBS
Rehabilitation
Spent immediately on completion of conditions
Common Mistakes and Consequences
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using wrong disposal | Applying an adult simple caution to a 17-year-old is unlawful. Using a Community Resolution for a domestic abuse offence is contrary to guidance and potentially unsafe. |
| Failing to check PNC history | Issuing a caution without checking for previous cautions or convictions. This may result in an inappropriate disposal that is later overturned or causes reputational damage. |
| Not consulting the victim | Especially for Community Resolution — the victim's agreement is integral. Failing to consult can result in a complaint and undermines the integrity of the disposal. |
| Not documenting rationale | The reasons for selecting an OOCD must be recorded. Without this, the decision cannot be defended in a review, complaint, or appeal. |
| No offender admission recorded | Simple Caution and Conditional Caution require an admission. If no admission was made or recorded, the caution is potentially unlawful and will be voided on appeal. |
| Issuing a PND without authority | Not all PNDs can be issued by all officers. Some require sergeant authority. Know your force's authorisation levels. |
PEQF Assignments & Independent Patrol Status — Student Officer Guide
A comprehensive guide for student officers covering the Police Education Qualifications Framework, academic assignments, portfolio building, IPS, and tips for managing study alongside operational duty.
What is PEQF?
The Police Education Qualifications Framework replaced the IPLDP (Initial Police Learning and Development Programme) from 2020. It mandates a degree-level qualification for all new officers entering UK policing.
Why it was introduced
PEQF was introduced to professionalise policing, align entry requirements with other emergency services and professions, and ensure officers have the critical thinking and research skills needed for modern policing challenges.
College of Policing oversight
The College of Policing sets the National Policing Curriculum (NPC), which defines the knowledge, skills, and behaviours all student officers must demonstrate. HEI programmes are mapped against the NPC.
Replacing IPLDP
IPLDP was a competency-based initial training programme without a mandatory academic qualification. PEQF introduced degree-level study as a requirement for confirmation in post.
Policing Professional Framework
The PPF defines the expected competencies and values for police officers at all ranks. Student officers are assessed against the Constable-level PPF. Portfolio evidence must link to PPF descriptors.
Three Entry Routes Under PEQF
| Route | Full Name | Duration | Qualification | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PCDA | Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship | 3 years | Bachelor's degree in Professional Policing Practice + Police Constable | The most common route for new entrants without a degree. Combines work-based learning with academic study through a Higher Education Institution (HEI) partner. Officers are employed and paid throughout. |
DHEP | Degree Holder Entry Programme | 2 years | Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice + Police Constable | For candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree (in any subject). Accelerated academic programme — Graduate Diploma rather than a full degree. Recognised as equivalent to PCDA for operational and academic purposes. |
Pre-join degree | Pre-join Professional Policing Degree | 3 years (pre-employment) | Bachelor's degree in Professional Policing (pre-join) | Completed before applying to join a force. Candidates with a pre-join degree may be able to join on a shorter probation pathway — force-specific. Not all forces formally recognise all pre-join degree providers equally. |
Academic Assignments — What Student Officers Write
PEQF academic work spans several formats. Understanding what each type requires is the first step to passing it.
Common Assignment Pitfalls
Describing what stop and search is does not demonstrate critical analysis. You must evaluate it — is the policy effective? What does the evidence say? What are the opposing views?
Failing to reference at all, using incorrect Harvard/APA format, or over-relying on websites and Wikipedia. Academic work requires peer-reviewed sources, legislation, and authoritative professional guidance.
Discussing academic theories without connecting them to your operational experience, or describing practice without grounding it in theory. The examiner wants to see the bridge between both.
Answering a slightly different question from the one asked. Read the brief multiple times. Address every component of the task.
APP and College of Policing guidance are valuable but are not academic sources. Use them alongside peer-reviewed literature, not instead of it.
Forces and HEIs take deadlines seriously. If you are struggling — with workload, welfare, or operational demands — contact your HEI student support and line manager in advance of the deadline, not after.
Portfolio of Evidence — What to Collect
Your portfolio is the primary evidence of your development as a student officer. Link each piece of evidence to the National Policing Curriculum outcomes and the Policing Professional Framework.
Independent Patrol Status (IPS)
IPS is a key milestone in probation. It signifies that the student officer has demonstrated core operational competence and is trusted to patrol without direct tutor supervision.
Independent Patrol Status signifies that the student officer has demonstrated sufficient competence to patrol without direct supervision from a tutor constable. They are still a student officer on probation — IPS is a milestone, not the end of training.
Typically between 6 and 12 months into service, depending on force and individual progress. Some forces have a formal IPS assessment; others use a portfolio-based sign-off by the tutor and line manager.
Demonstration of core operational competencies: officer safety, communication with the public, report writing, custody and arrest procedures, initial investigation skills, and sound decision-making on the NDM.
The student officer may patrol without their tutor constable present. They retain access to support and supervision. Academic study continues. They are not fully independent — they remain accountable to their line manager and must escalate complex situations.
Poor feedback from tutor constable, incomplete portfolio, unresolved conduct concerns, excessive sick absence, or failure to pass required training packages (e.g., OSPRE/driver training/PST).
Tutored Patrol Phase
Role of tutor constable
The tutor constable (TC) works alongside the student officer on patrol, providing real-time feedback, guidance, and assessment. They complete formal observation and feedback records linked to NPC outcomes.
What's expected
The student officer is expected to take ownership of incidents, communicate professionally, apply training to real scenarios, and seek feedback proactively. Passivity is a red flag.
Feedback mechanisms
Formal feedback records, PDR entries, and portfolio annotations. Verbal feedback should be supplemented by written records. Both student officer and TC should sign off feedback.
When to escalate concerns
If you have concerns about your training, your TC's approach, or your own welfare — escalate to your Sergeant or Student Officer Support team. Do not wait until it affects your confirmation.
Confirmation in Post
End of probation
Typically at 2–3 years (varies by route). Confirmation requires successful completion of academic qualification, satisfactory portfolio, positive performance reviews, and no outstanding misconduct concerns.
Failing confirmation
If a student officer does not meet the requirements, the force may extend the probationary period or, in serious cases, dismiss. Dismissal during probation is subject to regulation — legal advice may be sought.
Extension options
An extension to probation may be granted to allow additional time to complete academic or portfolio requirements. This must be agreed with line managers and HR. Check your force's Student Officer Policy.
Appeals
Officers who are not confirmed have a right to appeal. The appeals process is set out in the Police (Performance) Regulations. Union representation (Police Federation) is strongly recommended for any formal process.
Study Tips for Student Officers
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use your shifts as research | Every incident is potential portfolio evidence and assignment material. Keep a personal reflective journal in your own time — not on duty systems. Link observations to academic concepts as you go. |
| Treat your HEI like a job | Approach assignment deadlines with the same discipline as operational commitments. Poor time management is the most common cause of assignment failure for student officers. Mark your submission deadlines in advance and factor in shift patterns. |
| Online library resources | Your HEI will provide access to online journals (JSTOR, Emerald, Sage). Use these instead of websites. Google Scholar is useful for finding papers but access articles through your library where possible. |
| Peer study groups | Form a small study group with colleagues on the same PEQF route. Sharing perspectives, peer reviewing drafts, and discussing topics improves everyone's critical thinking. Check your force/HEI rules on collaborative working for assessed work. |
| Talk to your tutor constable about academics | Your tutor constable may also be completing or have completed PEQF. Ask them how they approached academic work alongside operational duties. Their experience is a genuine resource. |
| Seek feedback before submission | Most HEIs allow draft feedback. Use it. Submitting without a practice review is one of the most avoidable causes of poor grades. |
Taser / CED Operational Guide — Axon TASER 7
Comprehensive reference covering how CEDs work, the authorisation process, training requirements, deployment decisions under the NDM, post-deployment duties, and IOPC notification.
2 Years Service
Minimum service requirement before applying for Taser authorisation in most forces.
Every Draw Recorded
Every holster draw, red-dot, and discharge is logged by the device and must be matched by a use of force form.
Mandatory Medical
Every Taser deployment requires a mandatory medical assessment by a healthcare professional before custody processing.
CED Topics — Expandable Reference
Select any topic to expand the detailed guidance. Reflects College of Policing CED framework and NPCC guidance.
National Taser Statistics — Context
Annual Home Office statistics on Taser use in England and Wales. Data drawn from published NPCC/Home Office reports.
| Metric | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Taser incidents (England & Wales) | ~70,000+ | Includes all uses: drawn, red-dot, arced, and discharged. Numbers have increased year-on-year since wider roll-out. |
| Proportion resulting in discharge | ~20–25% | The majority of Taser uses result in compliance through draw or red-dot alone — probes are not fired in approximately 75–80% of uses. |
| Effectiveness when probes connect | ~75–80% | NMI is achieved when probes connect and the circuit is completed. Failure is typically due to clothing, missed probes, or circuit break. |
| Injuries following Taser use | <5% of incidents | Most injuries are minor (probe puncture wounds). Serious injuries are rare. Deaths in connection with Taser use are subject to mandatory IOPC investigation. |
| Authorised officers (approx.) | ~30,000+ | Taser is now routinely carried by response officers in most English and Welsh forces following NPCC expansion in 2018. |
County Lines & Gangs — Operational Guide
Operational reference covering county lines structure, indicators of exploitation, cuckooing, child criminal exploitation, key legislation, multi-agency working, and disruption tactics.
Children Are Victims
Young runners are victims of exploitation. Always consider NRM referral before considering prosecution.
Seize the Phone
The county lines phone is the most valuable piece of evidence. Seize immediately and prevent factory reset.
Multi-Agency
County lines requires police, social services, health, and education working together. Refer to MACE and exploitation hubs.
County Lines Topics — Expandable Reference
Select any topic to expand the detailed guidance. Reflects NPCC county lines strategy and College of Policing guidance.
Wildlife & Rural Crime Operational Guide
Comprehensive reference covering wildlife crime types, key legislation, rural crime, search and seizure powers, partnership working, evidence preservation, and hare coursing tactics.
Don't Touch Poison
Never handle suspected poison baits or carcasses without specialist PPE. Contact the Wildlife Crime Officer and APHA immediately.
GPS Every Find
Record precise GPS coordinates for every wildlife evidence find. Exact location is critical for pattern analysis and jurisdiction.
Contact NWCU
Notify your force Wildlife Crime Officer and the National Wildlife Crime Unit early in any serious wildlife crime investigation.
Wildlife & Rural Crime Topics — Expandable Reference
Select any topic to expand the detailed guidance. Reflects College of Policing wildlife crime APP and NPCC rural crime strategy.
Crime Recording Standards — NCRS & HOCR Guide
Comprehensive reference covering the National Crime Recording Standard, Home Office Counting Rules, the recording decision, crime types, no-crime rules, and HMICFRS Crime Data Integrity inspections.
Default: Record
If on the balance of probability a crime occurred, record it. Do not wait for investigation or evidence — record first, investigate after.
No-Crime Needs Authority
No-crime decisions require supervisory authorisation and specific NCRS grounds. Lack of evidence is NOT a no-crime ground.
HMICFRS Check Everything
CDI inspectors sample crime records and incident logs. Every recording decision — including non-recording — may be scrutinised.
Crime Recording Topics — Expandable Reference
Select any topic to expand the detailed guidance. Reflects NCRS, HOCR, and College of Policing crime recording guidance.
Authorised Professional Practice (APP) topic library
Plain-English explainers for 379 College of Policing APP topics — investigation, public protection, response, custody, roads policing and more.
Authorised Professional Practice (APP)
Quick-reference summaries of key College of Policing APP topics. Click any card to view the full official guidance.
Armed Policing
Guidance on the deployment and use of armed officers, authorised firearms officers (AFOs), and the National Decision Model for firearms incidents.
Critical Incident Management
Framework for managing critical incidents including command structures, initial response, scene management, and multi-agency coordination.
Investigation
Core investigative principles covering evidence gathering, witness management, suspect interviews (PEACE model), disclosure, and case building.
Public Order
Guidance on policing protests, public events, and disorder. Covers command levels, tactical options, and human rights considerations.
Roads Policing
Policing the road network: collision investigation, pursuit management, ANPR, drink/drug driving enforcement, and fatal collision procedures.
Detention and Custody
PACE Code C compliance, custody officer duties, risk assessments, healthcare in custody, and detainee rights and welfare.
Covert Policing
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), surveillance authorities, covert human intelligence sources (CHIS), and undercover operations.
Information Management
Data protection (UK GDPR), information sharing, Management of Police Information (MoPI), records management, and data quality standards.
National Decision Model
The central decision-making framework for all policing activities. Covers ethics, information gathering, threat assessment, powers and policy, and review.
Domestic Abuse
Risk assessment (DASH), positive action approach, coercive control legislation, MARAC processes, victim safeguarding, and perpetrator management.
Serious and Organised Crime
Tackling organised crime groups (OCGs), county lines, modern slavery, fraud, and cyber-enabled crime. Covers disruption tactics and partnership working.
Neighbourhood Policing
Community engagement, problem-solving (SARA model), crime prevention, partnership working, and building public confidence in local policing.
Civil Emergencies
Multi-agency response to major incidents, JESIP principles, emergency planning, mass casualty procedures, and recovery operations.
Media and Communications
Managing media relations, public statements, social media use, witness/victim appeals, and protecting operational security during investigations.
Data Ethics
Ethical use of data and technology in policing, algorithmic decision-making, facial recognition, and balancing innovation with privacy rights.
Policing Elections
Guidance on policing elections and referendums, maintaining impartiality, managing protests near polling stations, and handling electoral offences.
Post-Incident Procedures
Procedures following police use of force, firearms discharge, or deaths in custody. Covers IOPC referral, officer welfare, and evidence preservation.
Prosecution and Case Management
Building case files for CPS, charging decisions, disclosure obligations, court preparation, and managing digital evidence for prosecution.
Data-driven Technologies
Use of predictive analytics, AI tools, body-worn video analytics, and automated decision-making in policing — governance, ethics, and oversight frameworks.
Legislation Quick Reference
Key Acts and sections every officer should know. Search by offence, section number, or keyword.
PACE 1984
The foundational Act governing police powers of stop and search, arrest, detention, investigation, and the treatment of persons in custody.
Theft Act 1968
Defines theft, robbery, burglary, taking without consent, and handling stolen goods — core property offences officers deal with daily.
Criminal Damage Act 1971
Covers offences of criminal damage, arson, threats to damage property, and possession of articles intended for use in causing damage.
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Principal legislation governing controlled substances. Establishes offences of possession, supply, and production, along with police search powers.
Public Order Act 1986
Creates a hierarchy of public order offences from riot (most serious) down to disorderly behaviour, widely used in frontline policing.
Road Traffic Act 1988
Core road traffic legislation covering dangerous and careless driving, drink/drug driving, licensing, insurance, and failing to stop.
Sexual Offences Act 2003
Modernised framework for sexual offences, defining consent, principal offences, child offences, and abuse of position of trust.
Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Landmark Act creating the first statutory definition of domestic abuse (including coercive control) and recognising children as victims.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
Addresses modern slavery and human trafficking, creating offences and establishing a defence for victims compelled to commit crimes.
Firearms Act 1968
Controls the possession, handling, and distribution of firearms and ammunition. Key legislation for armed policing and firearms licensing.
Criminal Justice Act 2003
Wide-ranging Act covering bail, sentencing, dangerous offenders, and evidence. Fundamental to understanding the criminal justice process.
Terrorism Act 2000
The principal counter-terrorism statute: terrorist arrest, stop and search, and port/border examination powers.
Counter-Terrorism Act 2008
Adds counter-terrorism measures including post-charge questioning and notification requirements.
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave, sick leave, family leave, and other entitlements for police officers in England and Wales.
Annual Leave Allowance
Days per year based on completed years of service (Police Regulations 2003, Regulation 33).
| Years of Service | Days Per Year |
|---|---|
| On joining | 22 |
| After 1 year | 22 |
| After 2 years | 23 |
| After 5 years | 25 |
| After 10 years | 27 |
| After 15 years | 28 |
| After 20 years | 30 |
Public Holidays: Officers are entitled to 8 public holidays per year. However, officers may be required to work on these days due to operational demands — compensated with either a day off in lieu or additional payment at the prevailing rate.
Other Leave Types
Statutory and discretionary leave entitlements for officers.
Social Media Guide for Officers
What every serving officer and police staff member needs to know about social media use, data protection, and avoiding misconduct.
Bradford Factor Guide
Understand the Bradford Factor formula used by many UK police forces to measure absence patterns, and calculate your own score.
What is the Bradford Factor?
A formula used by many UK police forces (and employers generally) to measure the impact of absence patterns. Named after research at the University of Bradford.
B = S² × D
S = number of separate absence spells in a rolling 12-month period
D = total number of days absent in same period
B = Bradford Factor score
Interactive Calculator
Your Bradford Factor Score
0
No management action
Threshold Table
Why Short Frequent Absences Score Higher
1 absence of 10 days
1² × 10
10
10 absences of 1 day each
10² × 10
1,000
The formula penalises frequency over duration because short frequent absences cause more operational disruption.
Tips for Officers
- If you're genuinely unwell, take the time you need — don't come in sick to keep your score down
- Self-refer to occupational health early if you have a recurring condition
- Speak to your Federation rep if you feel your score is being used unfairly
- Some forces use different absence management metrics — check your local policy
- Disability-related absences may be adjusted under the Equality Act 2010
Response Driving Guide
Driving levels, legal framework, pursuit policy, and practical guidance for police response driving in the UK.
Driving Levels
Initial
Basic police driving, no exemptions
Standard Response
Use of blue lights, limited speed exemptions
Advanced
Higher speed, pursuit-qualified
Pursuit/Tactical
Authorised for tactical pursuit
Officer Responsibilities
- Complete dynamic risk assessment before and during pursuit
- Communicate with control room throughout
- Follow pursuit policy — if told to abort, ABORT
- Complete pursuit log/use of force form after every pursuit
- Attend post-incident debrief
- Report any vehicle damage immediately
- If involved in a collision during a pursuit, treat as critical incident
Practical Tips
- Know your driving authority level — don’t exceed it
- Practice commentary driving (narrate hazards aloud)
- Maintain vehicle checks before every shift
- If you’re not pursuit-trained, do NOT pursue — follow from a safe distance and update control
- Your licence is your livelihood — protect it
If you're not pursuit-trained, do NOT pursue. Follow from a safe distance and update control.
Training & Development Resources
Curated resources for professional development, exam preparation, and continuing education.
NCALT (National Centre for Applied Learning Technologies)
E-learning platform used by all UK police forces. Mandatory training modules and optional CPD. Access through your force portal.
Blackstone's Police Manuals
The definitive legal reference for police promotion exams. Covers Crime, Evidence & Procedure, Road Policing, and General Police Duties.
The Thin Blue Line Podcast
Real stories from serving officers covering the realities of modern policing, mental health, and career development.
R v Jogee (2016) — Joint Enterprise
Landmark Supreme Court case on joint enterprise parasitic liability. Essential reading for detectives and those preparing for promotion exams.
R v Connor & Mirza (2004) — Jury Directions
Key case on jury directions and the admissibility of evidence. Important for understanding court procedures and prosecution files.
Peach Report on Stop & Search
Influential report on disproportionality in stop and search. Essential reading for understanding the legal and ethical framework around S.1 PACE.
Body-Worn Video Best Practice
College of Policing guidance on the deployment and use of BWV. Covers activation policies, retention, evidential use, and GDPR compliance.
Taser (CED) Training Guide
Overview of Conducted Energy Device training, deployment policies, and the legal framework for Taser use. Officers must be specially trained and certified.