Training officers on control and restraint warning them on holds and positions that could cause the death

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026853

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. I am interested in finding out whether in the MPS control and restraint training officers are given any warning that certain holds and positions can cause the death of the person being restrained?

2. I would also like to discover whether any such warnings were given in MPS control and restraint training for officers active in August 2008?

3. And in August 2008 were police officers aware of the dangers of positional asphyxia and restraining people experiencing acute behavioural disturbance (ABD), which is a medical emergency?

4. If there are/were warnings given about these issues can you advise what they were in August 2008 and what they are today?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - I am interested in finding out whether in the MPS control and restraint training officers are given any warning that certain holds and positions can cause the death of the person being restrained?

Yes, there are national guidelines in the Personal safety Manual. There have been various deliveries on the topic over the years. The topic is also covered during restraint lessons and in recruit foundation training.

Q2 - I would also like to discover whether any such warnings were given in MPS control and restraint training for officers active in August 2008?

Yes, our records show the “Considerations for Safe Restraint” DVD was shown that year. The DVD covers medical implications and multi officer restraint considerations.

Q3 - And in August 2008 were police officers aware of the dangers of positional asphyxia and restraining people experiencing acute behavioural disturbance (ABD), which is a medical emergency?

Yes, our records show the “Considerations for Safe Restraint” DVD was shown that year which covers these topics. Please note that ABD was previously referred to as excited delirium and acute behaviour disorder. It was then later renamed acute behavioural disturbance.

Q4 - If there are/were warnings given about these issues can you advise what they were in August 2008 and what they are today?

All officers undergoing mandatory training were shown this DVD and therefore would have received warnings in relation to these topics. The same warnings are given in today’s training - including restraint asphyxia and other issues such as sickle cell that may affect subjects during control/restraint tactics.