Recommendation JB-15.10: Training on clear intelligence communication

The MPS is actively reviewing what steps can be taken to address the issue of consistency of language between firearms officers and other staff working directly or indirectly in armed operations alongside the forthcoming review of APP-AP which will also address these points.

Recommendations 9 and 10 relate to the content and language utilised in briefing. Commanders are trained to recognise and differentiate between facts and assumptions, and to ensure that where, based on incomplete intelligence, assumptions have been made they should make that clear to those being briefed. These principles can be appropriately applied to operational circumstances. It is not practicable however to issue specific guidance that could be equally applied to a variety of situations and commanders are made aware that the briefing provided may have an influence on the officers threat assessment. APP provides the following guidance: ‘Commanders should seek verification of intelligence and information, be aware of the potential for reported information to be wrong or based on assumption, and be aware that there may be intelligence gaps or failures. The TFC should ensure that only information and intelligence that is up to date, reliable and relevant is included in the briefing, and that it is appropriately linked to the working strategy. Anecdotal information which may be untested or based on inappropriate assumption should be excluded from briefings and officers should be reminded of the need to separate and distinguish between factually based briefing content and anecdotal information. All staff involved in situations where AFOs are deployed must be given as full a briefing as possible. The TFC is responsible for ensuring that the briefing is accurate and includes the most current information and intelligence, which supports the threat and risk assessment and prioritised working strategy. The information and intelligence provided must be specific, and relevant to the operation being briefed. All briefings should be appropriately recorded’ APP-AP and the NPFTC provides the guidance and training required to create an appropriate degree of national consistency in respect of command, tactics and terminology. It includes specific terminology where necessary to ensure common language, understanding and interoperability. This extends to other areas of policing and is evidenced by the introduction of previously undefined ‘tipping points’ and ‘thresholds’ to ensure common understanding between firearm commanders and investigators. As a consequence of this recommendation, the College is reviewing current APP to assess whether further guidance can be included in respect of providing information with ‘limitation warnings’. The College will also review the relevant curriculum content to identify additional opportunities to clarify or introduce clear language and terminology.