Review analgesia deployment for firearms officers
The College of Policing and Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters should review whether firearms officers should be deployed with analgesia and trained in its use, as part of providing Care Under Fire.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Security Industry Authority (SIA) published a formal statement on 17 June 2021 in response to Volume 1 of the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The SIA committed to collaborating with the private security industry, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to implement the report's recommendations. The Home Office noted it would review the report and take action on recommendations requiring legislative change, including extending SIA licensing requirements for CCTV monitoring and security contractors.
Progress Timeline
The police use of analgesics is not confined to armed officers. There are now 20 forces confirmed as having officers trained in the use of analgesia (predominantly Penthrox). The NPCC Clinical Panel have completed consultation on national guidance, and this will be published shortly. This guidance will inform ongoing decision making of local clinical leads. The use of analgesia will still remain a force level decision, under the governance of local clinical leads and informed by force first aid risk assessments. All public facing officers and staff are now trained in pain management techniques as part of the new First Aid Learning Package (FALP). These include non-pharma logical methods such as reassurance, casualty positioning, splinting and distraction.
The police use of analgesics is not confined to armed officers. There are now 20 forces confirmed as having officers trained in the use of analgesia (predominantly Penthrox). The NPCC Clinical Panel have completed consultation on national guidance, and this will be published shortly. This guidance will inform ongoing decision making of local clinical leads. The use of analgesia will still remain a force level decision, under the governance of local clinical leads and informed by force first aid risk assessments. All public facing officers and staff are now trained in pain management techniques as part of the new First Aid Learning Package (FALP). These include non-pharma logical methods such as reassurance, casualty positioning, splinting and distraction.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Government published formal Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations dashboard on GOV.UK (14 November 2025) tracking all 149 recommendations with implementation progress updates.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent 3 April 2025. Creates two tiers: Standard Duty (200-799 capacity) and Enhanced Duty (800+). SIA will be regulator. Not yet in force -- at least 24 months before enforcement (expected April 2027).
NPCC, Counter Terrorism Policing and College of Policing provided comprehensive updates to Sir John Saunders demonstrating "continued drive to improve collective response to terrorist incidents."
View detailed findings
Representatives working with UK Intelligence Community to address closed Volume Three recommendations. Cross-government monitoring ongoing.