Observer briefing

Observer briefing sheet health and safety instructions

In order to make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible, there are certain rules you must observe:

1. Listen carefully and follow the instructions of your accompanying officer at all times. He/she is highly skilled and thoroughly trained and will take care of you to the best of his/her ability. You are to comply strictly with all instructions given by the member of staff you are observing
2. Stay in the vehicle (if applicable) at all times, unless your accompanying officer expressly tells you it is safe to leave and observe some aspect of their work.
3. Whilst observing work outside the vehicle, please maintain a discrete distance between yourself and any member of the public. If a member of the public becomes agitated or aggressive, return to the police vehicle immediately and lock the door. This will enable the officer to deal with the situation without worrying about your safety.
4. Please do not attempt to administer first aid to anyone unless you are competent to deal with the injuries, and you have the necessary protective equipment such as gloves on your person.
5. In the unlikely event that you become involved in a road traffic collision where the officer becomes incapacitated, try to remain calm. If you can safely go and summon help, do so immediately. Do not return to the vehicle unless it is safe to do so. Try to find a safe place to stand, in the vicinity, away from on-coming traffic and wait for emergency assistance to arrive.
6. Do not touch anything at such scenes unless permitted to do so by your host officer. Be very careful what you touch as you may come into contact with potentially hazardous materials and substances. Also be aware that items, including debris, at such incident scenes may be valuable evidence.
7. You may place yourself in the position of being called as a witness to a particular incident, either by the defence or the prosecution.
8. Police have statutory powers to enter private premises in certain circumstances. If you enter private premises without the authority of the occupier or fail to leave when asked to by the occupier, you may become a trespasser.