Physical intervention is a hot topic for security, especially for door supervision, retail and healthcare security and custodial services, writes Bill Fox of conflict management consultants and trainers Maybo.
Recent high profile compensation claims have reinforced the risks employers run in failing to train staff in safe methods of intervention.
The situation has led to the imminent publication of guidance on the training and use of physical intervention for employers in the licensed retail sector. The guidance has been developed through consultation with the key sector professional/skills bodies, ACPO, subject specialists and major employers.
The decision to teach physical intervention needs to be based on an objective analysis of the role performed and the risks associated with this. Although many guarding roles will not require such skills, such training is probably needed
where it is foreseeable that staff will physically eject individuals, act to stop a fight or assault, or carry out an arrest.
It is no longer a realistic excuse for employers to simply say that policy instructs staff not to ‘get involved’ or to use physical intervention. One cannot expose employees to such situations and then remove the lawful right of the individual to protect themselves and others from assault.
The SIA chose not to include physical skills within its licence requirements but has always highlighted the need for employers to assess the risks of violence and to provide physical intervention training, where appropriate, to comply with their duty of care.
The worst case scenario is staff using physical interventions without training. The right training should equip staff with safer skills and actually reduce the need for intervention. As an example, Maybo provided training to a hospital security team where staff had used force on a number of occasions. Since the training the security manager has reported that staff have used physical intervention far less.
Physical intervention broadly falls under two areas: defensive skills that focus on protecting against assault and disengagement; and restrictive skills that involve escorting and restraint of an individual
Mechanical restraints, handcuffs, are widely promoted and although these may be legitimate tools in certain roles they should not distract employers from the core physical skills most staff require.
Approaches to physical intervention vary greatly and many companies are moving away from traditional ‘control and restraint’ type approaches that are increasingly perceived as aggressive and requiring more training than is realistic. Some staff simply require defensive skills whereas others need more comprehensive training.
The Maybo physical intervention model focuses on simple ways to carry out tasks such as escorting and holding with less likelihood of injury and escalation. This programme is accredited by City & Guilds and the licensed retail version by BIIAB. Both can now be delivered by internal tutors through the Maybo licensed programme.
The Maybo solution is in line with best practice and relevant standards and has undergone a medical and legal review. The physical intervention programme provides candidates with a wider range of non-violent options for dealing with the most common security scenarios involving physical contact. It is supported by organisational guidance and management tools for assessing which staff need which skill sets. Importantly the Maybo solution provides a rigorous quality assurance process and audit trail in this significant area of risk.
Tutors and participants receive awarding body certification and professional support materials that raise awareness of legal issues and medical risks associated with restraint in addition to practical skills. Maybo helps employers establish which staff need which level of training and can advise on supporting policy, reporting mechanisms and procedures.
Overall the new resources and training options are a huge step forward, providing employers with a rigorous, cost effective solution that can be tailored to meet role and locality needs.
Open and ‘in house’ courses are available in January and February 2007. Email [email protected] or phone 01580 881386.
