Introduction:

PSO 1600 is the policy document covering the use of force. It details the circumstances in which force can be used and the framework for justifying the use of force. The use of force policy document covers not only Control and Restraint techniques but also de-escalation skills, personal safety techniques and the use of batons.

Policy changes will be made only with the approval of the Operational Policy Group (OPG).

Amendments to PSO 1600

Clarifying text / guidance on how to interpret the policy may be given at any time and will be highlighted to staff via the ‘What’s New’ box on both the home page of the website and the Prison Service intranet

It is recommended that staff visit the home page of PSO 1600 at regular intervals in order to ensure that the instructions they are working to are the most up to date available.

The Training Manual (formerly PSO 1601) is for use by local C&R Instructors when delivering training in the use of force, and in specialist techniques such as Control and Restraint. The manual does not cover any of the techniques used in advanced C&R (tornado response staff) – these are detailed in the C&R Advanced Manual (formerly PSO 1602).

The Training Manual is issued in the form of a CD Rom to all Governing Governors and local C&R instructors (it is not a restricted document).

The C&R Advanced Manual is a restricted document and is only issued to C&R National Instructors and the GOLD command suite.

Policy changes will be made only with the approval of the Operational Policy Group (OPG).

Amendments to the Training Manual

and C&R Advanced Manual