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TOP cover aUtUmn 2012 11

Number three should ideally be someone with a deep-seated
knowledge of firearms matters and where possible known by the
Firearms Officers who are likely to be ‘principal officers’, perhaps
a firearms instructor, armourer or TA not connected with the
incident. They can be your ‘ever present’ in the PIM suite; being
available to the officers dealing with any requests or needs and
noting any immediate welfare issues. Number four is the ‘door-
keeper’. I appreciate this doesn’t sound a very glamorous role but it
is essential for someone who is of a strong and robust character to
check and allow only people who are authorized or who need to be
at the PIM suite to enter.
Number five, and for some people a contentious choice, should
in my view be the Federation Representative. It has alarmed and
concerned me that in some parts of the UK there is not an equitable
relationship between Post Incident Managers and the Federation
when it comes to the PIM process. We both have a job to do and
that includes supporting the principal officers. If we have a good
working relationship we can ensure that both our sides of the witnessed having visited many parts of the UK and got involved in
business are catered for and that people we both represent benefit observing and facilitating post incident exercises, is a huge sense
from that working relationship. A Federation Representative is very of investment by Post Incident Managers in taking ownership and
high on my call out list for such a process and will have unfettered developing protocols and SOPs for their respective PIM suites.
access to the PIM suite. I understand and accept that the PIM and
Fed Rep will not always agree but we do not need confrontation WhAt mAkeS A gOOd Pim Suite?
during the process when members of our organization are counting It is my experience that Officers crave a degree of familiarity in
on us for appropriate support. A respectful understanding of each the surroundings where the PIM takes place. I have mentioned
other’s role and cooperation is an essential element of any successful already that officers could well be traumatised and feeling very
PIM process. vulnerable. Add that obvious concern to an alien environment and
As an aside, as a consequence of the success of the PFOA, you will experience an uncomfortable foreboding on the part of
the executive committee is seriously contemplating that a PFOA those people we are trying to support. Make it familiar and add
representation at some stage during the PIM process may be of on a degree of comfort with access to appropriate facilities and the
extra support and worth in the future. For those who may fear this battle is half won. I know some forces successfully use operational
as interference or meddling that would not be our intention but bases for their PIM suite and who am I to argue if it works for
more an opportunity to enhance the PIM procedure. them? I personally would always advocate a non-operational base,
which creates a more private idyll. Ideally a self-contained area
the POSt inCident mAnAgement ‘Suite’ of rooms, offices or small conference rooms with accessibility to
The post incident management suite should be a haven for Officers canteen facilities, toilets and showers is preferable. These officers
who may be traumatised and fearing the worst. I accept that the are going to be there for some considerable time. Officers should
words ‘PIM suite’ is a bit of a euphemism in most Police districts. not have to rough it in poor, dour conditions. They should be
PIM suite usually means ‘a room’ or a ‘number of rooms’ utilized treated with dignity and respect. In the next TOP cover edition I
when necessary to perform that function. In these ‘cash strapped would like to concentrate on the practical workings of a PIM suite.
times’ trying to find a bespoke building or location identified solely What do we say to someone who may have just been involved
for PIM use is indeed a rarity. It is rightly accepted the dual use of an in a fatal police shooting? What is their short and long-term
identified location is the way to go forward. However what I have welfare needs? ■