The core competency training and qualifications for security officers SIA licensing, for example, carry a section on ‘arrest'. During this session delegates are taught the legalities of how to detain someone for certain crimes, so that the police can attend and deal. Provided that those detainees say something along the lines of, "It's fair cop, Gov", then that arrest should run nice and smoothly in accordance with what was taught previously in the classroom. In reality, however, arrest incidents can and do turn nasty for the security operative very quickly.
When the terrorist / shoplifter / robber / burglar / graffiti-artist decides that he doesn't fancy being arrested by the security operative, and offers violence or struggles to escape, then what can our people do to protect themselves and to make that arrest?
The use of handcuffs and restraints
There has been much debate over the years as to whether security operatives should use handcuffs or the new plastic restraints that are now available when effecting lawful arrests of violent people.
There is nothing in the law that says that security operatives can use handcuffs for restraining people, but nothing that says they cannot. Provided that they are only used when effecting a lawful arrest, and only on violent detainees, when they are absolutely necessary, to prevent escape or injury, then it is perfectly legal to use them.
Andy Walker, managing-director of FEDS Training Ltd, has recently launched the new one-day APRTM training programme, which teaches security staff how to use plastic restraints effectively, safely and within the strict rule of law. Certified by "Skills for Security", our new Government-supported sector skills body, this new 10-hour course has been specifically designed for anyone within the private security industry who may have to effect an arrest during the course of their duties, and interest in this innovative new programme has already been shown by door supervisors, store detectives, security officers, revenue protection officers, street/crime wardens, civil enforcement officers, bailiffs, close protection officers, event stewards and both court and prison escort staff.
Andy says, "If we are teaching security operatives how to carry out arrests, which part of the training for SIA licensing requires, then under the Health and Safety at Work Act all employers need to be assessing the risks to those workers, and then providing suitable training and equipment to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, their health and safety. If a store detective is seriously hurt trying to apprehend a thief, then questions could be asked as to whether there was any suitable equipment available to assist in that arrest, and whether such equipment was issued to that member of staff".
The benefits of APRTM training
Professional training in how to effect an arrest and in the use of plastic restraints will-
- Increase levels of safety for security operatives
- Reduce risk of harm to detainees
- Reduce risk of harm to the public
- Reduce risks of criminal allegations and civil claims against operatives
- Increase public confidence
- Increase security effectiveness
During the programme delegates are assessed on both the knowledge required to act within the law by way of a multiple-choice examination paper, and are physically assessed on the safe application of the new plastic lockable restraints. Following successful completion of the programme, delegates are issued with their own set of plastic restraints, key and belt holder. They also receive a year's APRTM Protection Policy, which covers them for up to £25,000 for pursuing a claim for damages in respect of their own injury or death whilst effecting a lawful arrest, and up to £50,000 for legal defence against civil or criminal prosecution.
This new programme is the first and only nationally accredited training in the use of restraints for private security personnel. There are a few training providers advertising ‘handcuffing' courses, but those use the police-style metal handcuffs, lead to no formal accreditation other than their own company certificate, and offer no insurance for those attending the course.
- The history of restraints
- Types of modern restraints
- Their use within the security industry
- Rules/laws governing their use
- Powers of arrest (new powers under SOCAP Act)
- Conflict Resolution Model
- The risks involved
- Practical application
- Knowledge and practical assessment
The programme uses a new style of plastic restraint used by police in the States. The key used to unlock the restraints is the same standard key that police officers over here use for their standard-issue handcuffs. This means that if a store detective or security officer has to use the APRTM restraints on a violent detainee, then when the police arrive they no longer have to go through the process of releasing the prisoner from the security operative's restraints so that they can put their own on. They can now simply take the prisoner away, safe in the knowledge that they can release him from the restraints themselves, using their own keys, back at the police station.
It is hoped that in the future this new piece of equipment, supported by the accredited training and insurance, will become the norm within the UK private security industry, dramatically increasing levels of safety for those that work within it on the front line.
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