stinger vehicle stopping device - cheshire police · stinger vehicle stopping device . ... vehicle...

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED

V2 040507 – Stinger NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 1

FORCE PROCEDURES

Procedure Reference Number: 2008.30 Procedure Author: Insp B Rogers, Road Policing Procedure Review Date: April 2010 At the time of ratifying this procedure, the author is satisfied that this document complied with relevant legislation and Force requirements. Sign and date INSPECTOR BRIAN ROGERS, 18/04/2007 (Author(s))

STINGER Vehicle Stopping Device



Procedure Index ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION: - move the cursor over the page number in the index or blue underlined text until a hand appears. Click the left mouse button once and it will jump to the specified part of the document. 1. Responsibilities.......................................................................................................3 2. Guidance..................................................................................................................3 2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................3 2.2 Initial Permission to Deploy the Device ................................................................4 2.3 Authorised Officer...................................................................................................4 2.4 Pursuit Situations....................................................................................................4 2.5 Containment Situations ..........................................................................................5 2.6 Incidents Involving the Suspected Use of Firearms ............................................5 2.7 Actions Following the Deployment of the Device where a Motor Vehicle has

been Damaged and/or Immobilised .......................................................................5 In the Case of an Offending Vehicle ......................................................................5 In the Case of an Innocent Motorist.......................................................................6 In the Case of a Police Vehicle...............................................................................6 Public Liability.........................................................................................................6

2.8 Administration .........................................................................................................6 Notification of Deployment.....................................................................................6 Maintenance of Device............................................................................................6

2.9 Risk Assessments and Health and Safety Considerations .................................7 Selection of Site for Deployment by Authorised Officers....................................7 Safety Warning for Authorised Officers ................................................................8

3. Procedure Aim.........................................................................................................8 4. Appeals ....................................................................................................................9 5. Review....................................................................................................................10



1. Responsibilities 1.1 The Chief Superintendent HQ, Uniform Operations, is responsible for the

development and monitoring of policy and procedure. 1.2 The Superintendent HQ, Uniform Operations, is responsible for the implementation,

training and monitoring of STINGER deployments. 1.3 The Inspector HQ, Uniform Operations – Roads Policing is responsible for

reviewing and updating the procedure to accommodate legal changes, national guidelines and compliance with other inter-related procedures.

1.4 The Head of the Force Driving School is responsible for delivering and monitoring

the training of STINGER. 1.5 Area Command Teams are responsible for officer compliance to the procedure and

training, maintenance of the equipment and ongoing training requirements.

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2. Guidance 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 Pursuit situations are potentially very dangerous to members of the public, police

officers and offenders, it is apparent that the longer a pursuit is allowed to continue then the greater the danger becomes.

2.1.2 An effective method of halting a fleeing vehicle is to deploy a ‘STINGER’ or other

vehicle stopping device across the road as this should puncture the tyre and bring the vehicle to a halt.

2.1.3 The ‘STINGER’ device consists of a plastic mat which is capable of being extended

from 2 to 25 feet in a concertina type arrangement across a road. It is briefcase size and can easily be transported in a police patrol car or carried. Each of the legs of the mat contain upward facing hollow metal spikes approximately 2 inches long which are very sharp and capable of piercing the tread of a tyre causing a controlled deflation.

2.1.4 ‘STINGER’ is effective against most four or more wheeled vehicles however it

should not be used against vehicles with less than four wheels, especially motor cycles, unless under extreme circumstances. In these circumstances the Force Pursuit procedure should be consulted in relation to pursuit criteria.

2.1.5 The device can be deployed by an officer across the road by one of three approved

methods. Following deployment the equipment can then be quickly retracted from the road using the retaining rope.

2.1.6 It should be fully recognised that the deployment of this device is not appropriate for

use in all cases, but when used it does provide an effective method of dealing with potentially dangerous pursuits.



2.1.7 The decision to grant and deploy ‘STINGER’ must be recorded on NSPIS. 2.1.8 THE DEVICE MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND

AUTHORISED OFFICERS 2.1.9 The device is to be used in the following two areas of police work:-

(a) In spontaneous pursuit management situations, (b) In pre-planned situations in order to prevent a pursuit from commencing.

2.2 Initial Permission to Deploy the Device 2.2.1 In the situations described in the above paragraph 2.1.9 (a) and (b) permission can

only be given by: (a) The Force Incident Manager in HQ, Resource Deployment Centre AND only in the situation described in paragraph 2.1.9 (b) above (b) The Duty BCU Inspector or Sergeant AND they must make the Force Incident Manager in HQ, Resource Deployment Centre aware of the decision as soon as possible

2.2.2 Permission can only be given to suitably trained and authorised officers. A

record should be maintained on NSPIS relating to the incident and that authority has been given to deploy.

2.2.3 Points to consider before granting permission to deploy:

• Has the subject vehicle failed to stop for Police?

• Is it vital to prevent a subject vehicle leaving the scene of a crime?

• Can the subject vehicle be ‘boxed’ / stopped by suitably trained officers after deployment?

2.2.4 Consideration must also be given to the Pursuit procedure. 2.2.5 When forcible stopping measures are being considered, there is a need to take into

account our responsibility under Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967: A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting, or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders, or suspected offenders or of a person unlawfully at large.

2.3 Authorised Officer 2.3.1 Only those officers who are trained and authorised in the use of the device will be

deemed to be authorised officers. The duration of the authority will be three years for all officers:

2.3.2 The details of all Authorised Officers are entered on NSPIS. 2.4 Pursuit Situations 2.4.1 The Force Incident Manager has the overall responsibility for managing any pursuit

situations, and if they consider it necessary will call the pursuit off. This will also apply with the use of ‘STINGER’, even if initially permission has been given for it to be deployed.



2.4.2 Once an authorised officer has been given permission to deploy the device it will be

at the officer’s discretion. 2.4.3 Once the authorised officer has selected a suitable site for deployment, the Force

Incident Manager must be informed and ensure that all patrol vehicles involved in the pursuit are aware of this location as soon as possible.

2.4.4 If circumstances change from the time the device is deployed to the time the subject

vehicle arrives, or the authorised officer is in any way unsure about the deployment being effected safely, then the device should not be used. The authorised officer should under no circumstances risk deployment of the device if not totally satisfied with the management of the pursuit or safety conditions at the site identified for deployment.

2.5 Containment Situations 2.5.1 It is recognised that there will be operational circumstances when known offenders

are likely to be leaving a specified area having committed or being suspected of committing a crime. To safeguard the public and to affect arrests in such circumstances, it may well be better to immobilise any ‘subject’ vehicle using the STINGER or similar approved and authorised device prior to the danger of a pursuit situation developing.

2.5.2 In these circumstances the Duty Area Inspector or Sergeant knowing all the details

would be in a better position to make the decision regarding the deployment of the device. The Force Incident Manager should, however, be made aware of the decision and the details surrounding its deployment as soon as possible.

2.6 Incidents Involving the Suspected Use of Firearms 2.6.1 Before the ‘STINGER’ device is deployed against any vehicle where it is suspected

that the occupants may have firearms, the on duty Firearms Tactical Adviser must be consulted for advice.

2.7 Actions Following the Deployment of the Device where a Motor Vehicle has

been Damaged and/or Immobilised

In the Case of an Offending Vehicle 2.7.1 The Force Vehicle Recovery Scheme will be used. 2.7.2 The Cheshire Constabulary will not accept any liability in respect of any damage

caused to an offender’s vehicle, where the device has been properly deployed. 2.7.3 Where the offender has taken the vehicle without the consent of the owner, then

consideration must be given to making an application to a Court for compensation for any damage incurred i.e. deflated tyres.



In the Case of an Innocent Motorist 2.7.4 On the rare occasion that this occurs every effort must be made to ensure that the

motorist is able to continue his or her journey as soon as possible. 2.7.5 Where there is a time deadline to be met apart from making the vehicle roadworthy

as soon as possible the use of police transport or the hire of a taxi must be considered.

2.7.6 Costs incurred in achieving the above will be the responsibility of the Area where

the deployment has taken place. 2.7.7 Only the authorised garage from the Force Vehicle Recovery Scheme will be used

to make the vehicle roadworthy. This operator will be able to provide the necessary wide range of tyres that will be required (Egertons at Mobberley are the authorised garage at this time).

2.7.8 With regard to 2.7.7 above, officers must supply the garage with as many details as

possible concerning the tyres required. As a minimum, the size and make must be given.

In the Case of a Police Vehicle

2.7.9 On the rare occasions this occurs and it is not possible to find sufficient spare

wheels to make the vehicle roadworthy the Force Vehicle Recovery Scheme, must be used to take the vehicle to the Vehicle Maintenance Unit at H.Q., Winsford. Public Liability

2.7.10 Small claims up to the value of £250.00 will be met from the respective Area ex-

gratia payment budget heading. Claims above this amount will be considered by the Police Authority and/or the force insurers.

2.8 Administration 2.8.1 Fatal Injury includes only those cases where death occurs in less than 30 days as

a result of the collision. Fatal does not include death from natural causes or suicide.

Notification of Deployment

2.8.2 Whenever the device is deployed it is the responsibility of the Authorised Officer

who deploys it to complete the attached form at Appendix A, and send it to the Driver Training Centre Manager, H.Q, Winsford.

Maintenance of Device

2.8.3 If it is within their capability it is the responsibility of Authorised Officers to undertake

any minor repairs to the device, and the relevant instructions are attached at Appendix B.



2.8.4 When the device has been deployed and it is necessary to replace any of the spikes, it is the responsibility of the deploying officer to replace them, and the necessary instructions are attached at Appendix C.

2.8.5 The Force Driver Training Centre holds a small stock of replacement spikes.

Once a completed ‘deployment return’ is received, replacement spikes will be issued to ensure the device is always in a state of readiness.

2.9 Risk Assessments and Health and Safety Considerations

Selection of Site for Deployment by Authorised Officers 2.9.1 Careful consideration should be given to the type of road, as certain dual

carriageway and motorway locations are unsuitable. 2.9.2 The weather and road surface condition. 2.9.3 The actual or potential presence of other road user including pedestrians. A site

where traffic is light or can be excluded is preferable. 2.9.4 The direction of travel, for example into or out of a populated area or where

vulnerable road users are present 2.9.5 Choosing a site where excess speed is unlikely to be attained. 2.9.6 Choosing a site where there is a physical feature such as a sharp bend which will

assist by slowing a vehicle down prior to the deployment of the device on the far side of the bend.

2.9.7 Choosing a site where there is some immovable, physical protection for the

deploying officer, such as a wall or tree. 2.9.8 Officers should never expose themselves as a target to approaching vehicles. 2.9.9 PUBLIC SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT and if this cannot be guaranteed the

deployment must be abandoned. 2.9.10 There needs to be police officers present near the site to affect an arrest of the

occupants of the offending vehicle, otherwise the deployment of the device will have been in vain.

2.9.11 It should be remembered that tyres will take up to 500 metres or 20 seconds to

deflate, and even then an offender could continue to drive for several miles on deflated tyres at reduced speed with no, or limited, control of the vehicle . It is with this in mind that suitably trained and authorised officers should, when available, be in a position to ‘box’ the subject vehicle soon after deployment.

2.9.12 All tyres exposed to STINGER must be marked by the application of a high visibility

warning sticker that will be attached to the wheel by the deploying officer. The warning will have the wording ‘WARNING SHARP SPIKES PENETRATING TYRE. THIS TYRE SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF SAFELY.’ A supply of the stickers will be kept with the STINGER kits and be replenished by request to HQ printing.



Safety Warning for Authorised Officers

2.9.13 Do not handle the device unnecessarily. 2.9.14 The ‘STINGER’ spikes are extremely sharp. They will cut and could cause infection

or other health problems. Therefore when handling the device suitable protective gloves must be worn at all times.

2.9.15 After deploying the device in the road do not hold onto the rope tightly or wrap it

around your hand or wrist, as the device could get caught under the offending vehicle dragging the deploying officer along with it. For the same reason the rope should not be allowed to get entangled with the feet or legs.

2.9.16 If the ‘STINGER’ spikes are dropped or spilled, they must be picked up

immediately. If stepped on they could roll and cause a person to fall. 2.9.17 Safety glasses are provided to protect the user's eyes from road debris thrown up

by high speed vehicles, and therefore should be worn at all times during the use of the device.

2.9.18 Never leave the device unattended once it has been removed from the case. 2.9.19 Reflective clothing must be worn by officers whilst working in the roadway; however

tactical considerations may justify the removal of such clothing, although it must be remembered that officer safety is paramount.

2.9.20 Generally a ‘Stinger’ device should not be used against two-wheeled vehicles,

however there will be occasions when consideration will be given for deployment. On these occasions permission must be given by the Force Incident Manager.

2.9.21 Always use any available physical feature such as a wall or tree as protection. 2.9.22 When not in use the device must be carried within its safety case at all times.


3. Procedure Aim 3.1 To provide members of the force with guidance on the use and deployment of the

‘STINGER’ system. This includes the responsibilities and decision making process of deploying officers and those of a supervisory rank within the Headquarters Resource Deployment Centre.

3.2 To reduce time consuming vehicle pursuits which are an obvious danger and a

drain on resources. 3.3 To safely terminate a pursuit in a moderated and controlled manner with minimal

risk to the public, police and offenders. 3.4 To assist police officers in the apprehension of offenders and the recovery of

property, by disabling the target vehicle in a safe manner.



3.5 The aims surrounding the deployment of such a device are in accordance with the

Common Law duties of the police to prevent and detect crime, maintain the Queen’s peace and their powers in respect of UK domestic law.

3.6 The use of this is equipment is considered justified and a proportionate response to

the scale and nature of the type of incidents involving vehicles which are fleeing/evading/ failing to stop for police officers who are in the lawful execution of their duty. The policy also ensures that ‘STINGER’ is used only when necessary and in those circumstances, it is the least intrusive and damaging method of achieving our legitimate aim.

3.7 In promoting this policy it will allow officers to continue to fulfil their role:-

• To ensure public safety is maintained.

• To prevent disorder or crime.

• To ensure the protection of health and morals.

• To ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

• On occasions in the interests of National security. 3.8 The legal basis for areas referred to within this document are contained within:

• The Road Traffic Act 1988:

• The Theft Act 1968 :

• Criminal law Act 1967 :

• Terrorism Act 2000.


4. Appeals 4.1 In respect of internal grievance of the existing management structure of the force

and the formal grievance procedures together with an appeals facility/right to make representation will cater for any such issues. As regards external complaints civil remedies are available with appellate facilities in addition to an individual's rights under the Police Complaints and Misconduct Procedures under the guardianship of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

4.2 Persons affected by the exercise of powers, directives or actions under this

document have the right to make representations and / or challenges and / or appeals to the decisions involved via judicial processes (e.g. Civil law) and / or non-judicial processes (e.g. internal management, grievance or police complaint procedures).

4.3 A person who claims that a public authority has acted (or proposes to act) in a way

which is unlawful under the Human Rights Act 1998, may bring proceedings against the authority under the Act in the appropriate court or tribunal. Or the person may rely on the Convention right or rights concerned in any legal proceedings if they are a victim (or would be) of the alleged unlawful act.




5. Review 5.1 This procedure will be formally reviewed in 3 years to consider:

• Its effectiveness in the business area concerned

• Any changes to legislation

• Challenges to the procedure

• Any identified inefficiencies in relation to implementation

• Impact on diversity and equality (High/Medium/Low on the Race Diversity Impact Assessment Template)




Appendix A

Cheshire Constabulary

Tactical Pursuit Return

The following information is required in order to comply with ACPO Guide to Pursuit Management and Force Policy. It will also be used in order to determine whether the current training is sufficient to meet your needs. The form is to be completed a soon as practicable after the event and forwarded to:- Driver Training Centre Manager, H.Q., Winsford.

Incident Ref.

Type of Authorization

Spontaneous or Pre – Planned

Section 1 - General

Day Date Time hours

Location

Road type Traffic conditions

Weather Visibility Streetlights

Subject Vehicle: Make Model VRM

Stolen Involved in crime Drink / Drugs

Other (please state)

Injury to Police officers Yes No Number injured Severity

Damage to Police Vehicle Yes No How many vehicles Severity

Injury to Offenders Yes No Number injured Severity

Damage to Subject Vehicle Yes No How many vehicles Severity

Injury to others Yes No Number injured Severity

Damage to other Vehicles Yes No How many vehicles Severity

Damage to property Yes No Brief details

Were persons arrested: Yes No If so, how many:

Stinger (complete Section 2)

Boxing (complete Section 3) Type of Tactics employed:

Pursuit terminated prior to final stop Reason

Was Air Support available? Yes No Was Air Support used? Yes No



Section 2 - Vehicle Stopping Device - ‘Stinger’ Deployment

Complete a separate sheet for every deployment Officer Deploying:

Force:

Type of Stinger deployed 25 ft. Type of deployment PULL / EMERGENCY

Other Vehicle Stopping Device deployed:

Location if not as Section 1

Did the Stinger cover all of the available road width? Yes No

Was a Feeder Vehicle(s) used? Yes No

Stinger hit Yes No Which tyres were deflated

Front offside Front nearside

Rear offside Rear nearside

Prevailing Conditions: WET DRY DAYLIGHT DARK

What was the speed of the subject vehicle when it drove over the spikes?

Did the Subject come to a stop? After what approximate distance?

Was Boxing employed to assist the final stop? How many Police vehicles were used?

What physical protection did the deploying officer use?

Details:

Was any damage caused to the ‘Stinger’ device?

Details:

Number of Spikes used? (To whom should spikes be sent)

ENSURE THAT THE DEVICE USED IS CHECKED AND THE MAINTENANCE RECORD ENDORSED

AFTER EVERY DEPLOYMENT



Section 3 - T.P.A.C. - (Complete for every Stop or Attempt)

Were Tactics used to pass the Subject? Yes No

If yes, please highlight effectiveness

Was a sufficient Sterile area created? Yes No

If no, please describe circumstances

How many Police vehicles were ahead of the Subject vehicle in the final stop?

How many Police vehicles were involved in Final Stop?

Was a Safety Car used? Yes No

Any other details.



Section 4 - Communications - Ground Commander

Were you assigned a dedicated Radio Channel?

Yes No

Were you given priority on Radio Channel?

Yes No

Radio Communications between:

FIM and Ground Commander: Good Poor

Details:

Ground Commander and other Cheshire vehicles:

Good Poor

Details:

Ground Commander and outer force vehicles:

Good Poor

Details:

Ground Commander and Deploying Officer: (This question only to be completed when Vehicle Stopping Device deployed or attempt deployment)

Good Poor

Details:

Ground Commander & Air Support

Good Poor

Details:

Any additional information:



Section 5 - Training Issues & Recommendations

How easy or difficult was it for you to consider the Pursuit Criteria in a fast time situation?

Very difficult Difficult Reasonable Fairly easy Very easy

How easy or difficult was it for you to consider the Dynamic Risk Assessment in a fast time situation?

Very difficult Difficult Reasonable Fairly easy Very easy

In your opinion are there any training issues arising from this Tactical Pursuit.

Yes No

If Yes, please give details:

Was the Tactical Pursuit video taped?

Yes No Tape Ref (if known)

Length of time elapsed since last Pursuit Training: (Do not confuse this with any Safe Follow training you may have received)

-1yr 1yr 2yrs 3yrs 4yrs 5yrs Over 5yrs No Training



Section 6 - Officer Details

Please supply details of all officers involved in the Tactical Pursuit.

Name FIN Div Call sign Driver or Observer TPAC trained?

Y or N

Any other observations:

Would you consider a de-brief to be appropriate in this instance, if so please indicate to what level

Officer supplying details: B.C.U.

Driver Were you the Ground Commander? Yes No

Observer

Current Driving Authority held: Standard Response Advanced Response / Other

Vehicle used: Volvo T5 Range Rover Vectra Astra Focus

Corsa *Other

*If Other, brief details:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. Please now forward to: - Driver Training Centre Manager, H.Q., Winsford



Appendix B

Repair The ‘STINGER’ Spike System was designed to withstand multiple high speed impacts. However things do break and wear out. The elatomeric nylon base is unconditionally guaranteed for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. If the unit is damaged after deployment so it cannot be folded, straighten the pieces out and try to get it back in its case for protection from the spikes. Later the unit can be stretched out to assess any damage and checked for any loose screws or missing spikes. If any screws are found to be loose tighten just enough to prevent the washer from turning. Care should be taken not to over tighten the screws. If any spikes are found to be missing see Appendix C - Spike Replacement. If the unit is damaged in any way it must be withdrawn from service and the maintenance record, (Appendix D), endorsed accordingly. Any damaged sections of the unit can easily be removed and when done so can be sent back to the manufacturer for replacement during the warranty period. When replacing a section, proper alignment of the swivel base to the spike base can be obtained by making sure that the ejection pin mark {depicted as 4 on the Nomenclature diagram, Appendix B(1)} is on the opposite side of the centre screw boss {depicted as 3 on the Nomenclature diagram Appendix B(1)} from the ‘STINGER’ name on the end of the rocker arm of the spike base. The angle of the two pieces in relation to each other are represented in Appendix B(2). The new section will come with the swivel and spike base already put together. Extra screws and washers for attaching it to the unit are included. Care should be taken not to over tighten the screws. They should be just tight enough to prevent the washer from turning. If you over tighten the screws, the screw hole will be stripped out and will not hold a screw. The section will then have to be replaced. When repaired the unit can be returned to service and the maintenance record endorsed



1



APPENDIX C

Spike Replacement

After the unit has been used, it should be carefully inspected for missing or damaged spikes. Gloves should be worn during this procedure to protect your hands. Each spike system comes with a spike replacement tool, a package of 10 replacement spikes and compression sleeves. The vial of replacement spikes is located under the tool in the case. Use one of the replacement spikes or something similar to pry the used compression sleeve from the spike base. If you use one of the new replacement spikes be careful not to bend the tip. Place the tip into the hole in the compression sleeve and gently pry it out, then discard it. Place a spike point down in the hole on the top of the tool {depicted as Fig. 1 on Appendix C(1)} place a compression sleeve over the spike and slide it down to the tool {depicted as Fig. 2 on Appendix C(1)}. Remove the spike from the handle and place it in a spike hole in the spike base. In the bottom of each spike hole, there is a smaller hole that the spike should be placed in, be sure that the spike is seated in this smaller hole {depicted as Fig. 3 on Appendix C(1)}. Place the stem of the tool over the spike and push the compression sleeve down. Then with a slight side-to-side rocking motion of the tool push it all the way down into the spike hole {depicted as Fig. 4 on Appendix C(1)}. The side-to-side rocking motion allows trapped air to escape from under the compression sleeve making it easier to push it down between the spike and the spike boss. The installation of the compression sleeve is a little easier if the spike and sleeve are dipped in soapy or plain water lubricating the sleeve and making it easier to insert. DO NOT use any petroleum based lubricants on the spike system or case. They will deteriorate the plastic based material. When all of the missing spikes are replaced, carefully slide the tip guard over the spikes {depicted as Fig. 5 on Appendix C(1)}. Use caution because too much force will cause the spike to penetrate the tip guard. The unit is then ready for use. Remember DO NOT use any petroleum based lubricants on the spike system or case as this will cause the plastic based material to deteriorate.



APPENDIX D

STINGER Maintenance Record


V2 040507 – Stinger NOTPROTECTIVELY MARKED 22

STINGER SERIAL NUMBER

DATE

OFFICER CHECKING

CASE

Serial Number on lid

Case free from cracks/splits etc

Hinge intact

Velcro fastenings present & fasten x 2

DEVICE

18 x Rocker Arms

18 x Swivel Bases

180 Covered spikes

All 53 screws secure & undamaged

Quick link & swivel undamaged & operates

ROPE SPOOL

Rope free from fraying / cuts etc

Rope length no less than 45 feet

MISC

Warning Stickers present

Eye Protectors Present

REMARKS/REPAIRS

Tick each box to show that device is in order. If a fault is found, place a cross in the

appropriate box and endorse remarks column with action

taken.

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