Door Entry Policy
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Policy Intentions 1
Section 1 – Policy wording 1
Section 2 – Procedural guides 2
Section 3 - Relevant Legislation: (Human rights/diversity/Health & Safety/any other specifics) 2
Section 4 – Related references 3
Section 5 - Identification, Monitoring and Review 3
Section 1 – Policy Intentions
The intention of this policy of Gloucestershire Constabulary is to set out the parameters under which forced entry may be made into premises. The policy has been devised to demonstrate a clear and transparent procedure for outlining who can force entry, using what apparatus and wearing what protective equipment. .
This policy only relates to the use of Rams (currently the Enforcer and Disrupter) and equipment for entry through opening outward opening doors (currently the Hooligan tool (Hooli Bar)). It does not cover more technical methods of forcing entry which relate to Method of Entry (MOE) trained staff whose training is more thorough.
Door Entry training will be reviewed and delivered by or on behalf of the Force Public Order Trainer, currently PC Paresh Bhadeshia and the Force Public Order Liaison Officers, Insp Steve Templeton.
Section 1 – Policy wording
All police actions should be conducted in a manner compatible with the operational principles of safety, lawfulness, necessity and proportionality. Actions should be completed in a manner that is the least intrusive to achieve the purpose.
Rams are devices designed to be manually operated to open (inward opening) locked doors.
The Hooligan Tool or ‘Hooli Bar’ is a device designed to be manually operated to open outward opening locked doors, car bodywork and steel sheeted doors.
Any accidents, injuries or near misses occurring through use of the equipment must be reported using the Force Accident Reporting system. In addition, the matter must be referred to Inspector, Operational Planning & Resilience when the equipment is returned, to ensure that a review of this policy and the relevant risk assessment is undertaken.
Section 2 – Procedural guides
Officers MUST be ‘Door Entry’ trained in order to use the above equipment to force entry to premises.
Currently only PSU level 2 trained officers are to be trained to force entry to premises (with some exceptions due to operational need) during Public Order training.
Officers are only trained in the use of Rams and outward opening door equipment (not in glass entry or the use of hydraulic equipment).
Officers are to re-train in door entry every three years to remain in license. If an officer does not attend refresher training within three years they are not to use the equipment to force entry until re-trained.
Trained officers must only use the equipment listed above if wearing the correct PPE which consists of:
· Goggles or helmet with visor down to be worn at all times (for eye protection).
· Appropriate footwear, PSU boots or boots with reinforced toe caps, to be worn.
· Mitt kits must be worn (Kevlar gloves and plastic forearm guards) to protect hands and forearms.
· Body armour must be worn to provide protection to the torso.
When being transported in vehicles, the Ram should be stored securely to prevent it rolling around (ideally in storage brackets if fitted). The hooligan tool bar must be stored safely to minimise risk to vehicle and users.
When not in use care must be taken to ensure that the ‘Hooli Bar’ is stored so that the spike and chisel head are not protruding upwards or outwards. The Rams is to be stored lying down, NOT standing on its end, to reduce the risk of injury.
Section 3 - Relevant Legislation: (Human rights/diversity/Health & Safety/any other specifics)
1) Sec 17 PACE 1984 Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 creates a power to enter premises (within certain constraints) to effect an arrest or to save life or limb or to recapture a person.
2) Breach of the Peace - Power of Entry
3) There are many other Acts that allow police officers to force entry to premises and care should be taken to always check that the intended action is lawful.
4) This policy is written in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992 and the Provisions of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It reflects the risk to the health & safety of all police officers engaged in the operational deployment of The Enforcer, The Disrupter and Hooli Bar.
Section 4 – Related references
Section 5 - Identification, Monitoring and Review
Security Marking: / NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED / PROTECTED / RESTRICTEDDocument Title: POLICY
Door Entry
Type / URN / Strategic Board / Author/Reviewer
Policy / CCEB / Name: Insp 256 Templeton
Version / Date / Changes (ensure public copy amended and uploaded to external website) / Complied with Policy Guidance ü
3.2 / 21/03/17 / Policy review.
Next Document Review Date: 24/11/2016
EIA / EIA Sign Off / EIA Review
LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH
SIA / SIA Sign Off / SIA Review
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Previous policies can be found with the continuous improvement team.
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