Making Arrests, Use of Force and Collection of Evidence

Specialist Enforcement Training Programme

As the responsibilities of public enforcement officers expand, it is vital they are trained not only in engagement and compliance techniques but also in the lawful handling of higher-risk situations involving detention and evidence preservation.

This programme supports officers in understanding and applying powers of arrest and reasonable force in accordance with legal frameworks and organisational policy. It ensures officers uphold both public safety and evidential integrity while acting with professionalism and restraint.

This module complements prior training on public interaction and enforcement, preparing officers for more complex scenarios where legal knowledge, physical control skills and accurate documentation are essential to ensuring accountability and supporting legal proceedings.

Programme Overview

Training leading to authorised operational duties in arrest, restraint and evidential processing must cover the following areas:

Session 1: Legal Use of Force
Session 2: Arrest Procedures
Session 3: Incident Documentation
Session 4: Police Handover

Session 1: Legal Use of Force

Aim:
To equip officers with the understanding and capability to apply lawful and proportionate use of force.

Objectives:
By the end of this session, learners will be able to:

Define “reasonable force” under legislation such as the Criminal Law Act 1967 and common law principles
Recognise when use of force is necessary, proportionate and justified
Apply restraint techniques appropriate to the level of threat
Avoid excessive or unlawful use of force
Reflect on the impact of force on individuals and public perception

Session 2: Arrest Procedures

Aim:
To provide the knowledge and skills required to perform lawful detentions in line with legal standards and best practice.

Objectives:
By the end of this session, learners will be able to:

Identify when arrest or detention powers apply under citizen’s arrest provisions (e.g. PACE s.24A)
Understand the difference between armed and unarmed detention procedures
Conduct a lawful arrest with clear communication of the reason and legal basis
Maintain officer safety and detainee rights throughout the process
Manage high-risk or confrontational situations professionally and confidently

Session 3: Incident Documentation

Aim:
To ensure comprehensive recording and evidential preparation following an arrest or serious incident.

Objectives:
By the end of this session, learners will be able to:

Complete detailed written reports that reflect the sequence of events accurately
Take and record reliable witness statements, following evidential guidelines
Secure and label physical evidence to avoid contamination or dispute
Use body-worn video footage and supplementary materials appropriately
Demonstrate how proper documentation supports case progression and legal scrutiny

Session 4: Police Handover

Aim:
To prepare officers to support and liaise effectively with police services during and after detention incidents.

Objectives:
By the end of this session, learners will be able to:

Communicate clearly and concisely with attending police officers
Present relevant facts, evidence and documentation in a structured manner
Support police interviews or prosecutions through coherent witness testimony
Understand the chain of evidence and how to preserve its continuity
Build professional relationships with law enforcement agencies to support public safety

This specialist module forms part of the NCPS advanced training pathway. Completion of this training is required for any officer tasked with arrest-related duties, ensuring all actions are legally sound, procedurally correct and publicly accountable.