2.4 Incident Response, Reporting & Safer Custody
Key Takeaways
- Emergency incident response relies on swift alarm activation, command communication, scene containment, and immediate medical triage.
- The ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) framework is the mandatory HMPPS protocol for managing self-harm and suicide risk.
- Incident reports submitted to the National Incident Reporting System (IRS) must be factual, objective, chronological, and free of subjective bias.
- Post-incident hot and cold debriefs support staff welfare, identify operational improvements, and uphold safer custody standards.
- SJT questions reward actions that prioritize preservation of life, strict adherence to emergency protocols, and accurate documentation.
2.4 Incident Response, Reporting & Safer Custody
Emergency Incident Response & Command Protocols
In a custodial environment, emergency incidents—such as medical crises, fires, barricades, roof top protests, hostage situations, or violent disturbances—require immediate, structured response. The HMPPS emergency response framework relies on clear communication, rapid alarm activation, adherence to chain-of-command structures, and absolute prioritization of life safety.
Standard Emergency Response Steps:
- Assess and Raise Alarm: Immediately evaluate the threat level. Activate the personal emergency radio/alarm system or body-worn alarm to alert the Control Room, stating exact location, nature of incident, and resources required.
- Contain and Control: Secure the immediate area to prevent the incident from spreading. Lock adjacent gates or cell doors if safe to do so.
- Medical Triage & First Aid: If injuries or medical distress are involved, request healthcare personnel immediately and provide basic emergency first aid if trained and safe to enter.
- Preserve Evidence: In criminal or serious disciplinary incidents, cordon off the area and preserve physical evidence for police or internal investigation.
Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) Framework
Suicide and self-harm prevention is one of the most critical responsibilities of a prison officer. HMPPS operates the ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) case management process (governed by PSI 64/2011 and updated operational guidance) to support prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide.
Officer Responsibilities under ACCT:
- Raising Concerns Immediately: Any staff member who observes signs of distress, self-harm, or suicidal ideation must open an ACCT document immediately. Never wait until the end of a shift.
- Immediate Safety Actions: Implement immediate protective measures (e.g., removing sharp objects, increasing observation frequency, ensuring cellmate safety).
- Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Participate in ACCT case reviews alongside healthcare staff, personal officers, chaplains, and safer custody leads.
- Accurate Documentation: Record objective, detailed observations in the ACCT logbook after every check (e.g., "Prisoner awake, reading book, responded verbally when checked at 02:15" rather than "Appears fine").
| ACCT Stage | Primary Operational Objective | Key SJT Evaluative Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation (Concern) | Identify risk and start care plan | Immediate opening of ACCT plan upon observing self-harm warning signs |
| First Assessment | Comprehensive risk assessment within 24 hours | Joint evaluation with healthcare; objective risk scoring |
| Care Review | Multi-disciplinary evaluation of risk and support needs | Active staff input; SMART care goals; adjusted check frequencies |
| Safe Closure | Confirm risk has sustained reduction | Multi-disciplinary sign-off; post-closure monitoring period |
Accurate & Objective Incident Reporting
Following any incident, officers must complete accurate, objective, and timely documentation. Reports are entered into the National Incident Reporting System (IRS) and may be used in disciplinary hearings, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) inquiries, or court proceedings.
Guidelines for Incident Documentation:
- Fact-Based & Objective: Describe exactly what was seen, heard, and done. Avoid subjective assumptions, emotional language, or speculation.
- Chronological Sequence: Document events in exact time sequence, noting key timestamps, radio calls, and responding personnel.
- Clear Identification: Use full names and prison numbers for prisoners, and titles and names for staff members.
- Contemporaneous Notes: Complete reports as soon as possible after the incident while memories are fresh.
Incorrect (Subjective): "Prisoner X became extremely aggressive for no reason and tried to start a riot."
Correct (Objective): "At 14:10, Prisoner X (A1234BC) raised his voice, shouted 'I won't go back', and pushed Officer Jones in the chest with both hands. I activated my radio alarm at 14:11."
Post-Incident Debriefing & Safer Custody Standards
After a major incident, officers must participate in structured hot and cold debriefs to ensure staff wellbeing, identify operational lessons, and restore normal regime safely.
Post-Incident Elements:
- Immediate Hot Debrief: Briefing conducted immediately after incident resolution to check staff physical and psychological welfare, ensure equipment accounting, and address urgent security vulnerabilities.
- Cold Debrief & Operational Review: Formal review conducted days or weeks later to analyze response efficiency, policy compliance, and tactical improvements.
- Staff Care & TRiM Support: Utilizing Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) practitioners to support staff involved in traumatic incidents.
High-Yield SJT Worked Example: Discovering Self-Harm Risk
Scenario: During night checks at 01:30, you look through the observation glass of Cell 14 and notice Prisoner E sitting on the floor with a small piece of cut plastic, making light scratches on his arm. He is weeping silently.
Option Rating & Rationale Analysis:
- Response 1: Wait until the morning handover at 07:00 to report the incident to the incoming day staff, as the cuts appear superficial and non-life-threatening.
- SJT Rating: Counterproductive / Severe Neglect. Fails to respond to active self-harm, putting the prisoner's life and safety at risk.
- Response 2: Immediately alert your night duty colleague via radio, enter the cell safely per night entry protocols, assess and secure Prisoner E, deliver basic first aid, inform Healthcare, and immediately open an ACCT case file.
- SJT Rating: Most Effective. Prioritizes life safety, follows night entry security protocols, ensures medical care, and initiates mandatory safer custody procedures without delay.
- Response 3: Shout through the door telling Prisoner E to stop being stupid and go to sleep, promising to give him a disciplinary warning in the morning.
- SJT Rating: Ineffective / Hostile. Escalates psychological distress, displays punitive cruelty, and violates ACCT policies.
- Response 4: Unlock the cell door immediately on your own without alerting your partner or calling the Control Room to quickly grab the plastic.
- SJT Rating: Ineffective / Security Breach. Violates night entry security procedures (entering a cell alone at night without backup), creating a severe personal safety risk.
Upon looking into a cell during night patrol, an officer observes a prisoner with a ligature tied around his neck. What is the officer's immediate priority under emergency response protocols?
When documenting a physical altercation between two prisoners in the National Incident Reporting System (IRS), which principle must be followed?
What is the primary role of a prison officer attending a multi-disciplinary ACCT Case Review meeting for a vulnerable prisoner?
A prisoner collapses suddenly in the wing exercise yard while 40 other prisoners are present. What is the correct sequence of actions for the supervising officers?