Method of Entry

Please let me have your risk assessment and method statements for the activity of gaining entry to a locked house via a glass panel in the door.

In accordance with section 1 (1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

Reproduced below is an extract from the 'Method of Entry' Policy:

2.2.6 Prior to an operation the officer conducting the entry will prepare a risk assessment on the venue and the equipment to be used. For all training purposes a level one trained instructor will complete a specific risk assessment of the venue to be used and all equipment employed. Guidance is available from DTTU staff if required.

2.2.7 Only such equipment as provided by the Cheshire Constabulary and approved by FSU/DTTU level one instructors on behalf of the force will be authorised for use in MOE training and operations. Any equipment utilised outside of the recommendations will not be authorised.

2.2.8 In unarmed MOE situations, which involve Level Two staff or equipment, the DTTU must be consulted. The use of Level Three officers is obviously an option in less complex situations. The DTTU will be available to advise if required.

2.2.9 All actions should be justified and proportionate by interpreting the guidelines and applying them fairly and sensitively and in a manner compatible with ECHR. All other less forcible options must be considered and only after this should appropriate MOE tactics be employed. At this stage the use of minimum force needs to be taken into account.

2.2.10 All operational decisions will be recorded in either pocket books, or policy/operational logs. All briefings/debriefings will be recorded on audio/video tapes.

2.2.11 The officer in charge of the overall investigation should ensure that records/tapes are retained after each operation.

2.2.12 Decisions/actions will be monitored at all stages by supervisors. In major operations additional scrutiny will be available through Uniform Operations and as part of reviews of major crimes.

NOTE: FSU = Firearms Support Unit; DTTU = Defensive Tactics Training Unit (now part of the Vector Tactical Training Unit)