Outcome
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Staff prevent potential violence where possible. |
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When faced with a conflict
situation we should have one of three objectives, these are:
Awareness
of a threat is an essential aspect of evading a problem as it “buys time”. The earlier a member of staff perceives a
possible threat the more time they have for assessment and action. Awareness of surroundings will also help the
member of staff to form a decision on how to deal with a situation i.e. exits,
alarm bells, other colleagues or prisoners.
It has
always been recognised that the best defensive weapon that staff have is their
verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Staff who successfully adopt effective
communication strategies and
interpersonal skills will find that they are usually able to defuse a potential
conflict.
However, even when adopting the
most reasonable of approaches, it is recognised that a member of staff may at
times have no other option than to use force.
Adopting
an approach that is positive, assertive and confident will help to reduce the
likelihood of becoming the victim of unwelcome attention.
Controlling
a conflict that has escalated beyond verbal reasoning may entail using force.
However, all staff must make their own decision about how to act in particular
situations.
When
the use of force has become necessary Control and Restraint techniques are always the preferred option.
Where Control and Restraint techniques
aren’t practical (for example, where less than 3 officers are present) staff
must resort to other means of protection (such as Personal Safety, the use of batons).