Ashley Crews

Dear Mr Golombeck Greater Manchester Police acknowledge the matters of concern raised by the Regulation 28 report, issued under paragraph 7, Schedule 5 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 on 23rd April 2024. We acknowledge that there is no national or local policy for policing that specifically deals with the application of handcuffs during the execution of search warrants. The justification for the use of force against an individual is a matter for each officer to consider on a case-by-case basis. Consideration of how force is used is a common thread through many aspects of police guidance and Authorised Professional Practice (APP), with a particular focus on legislation and use of the National Decision Model. The policing scenarios are so wide ranging that it is impractical to offer specific instruction or policy on when handcuffs should be applied to restrain individuals whilst under arrest or detained under the powers of a search warrant. In pre-planning for the execution of search warrants, we consider the vulnerability of the known occupants including factors such as age, mental health or physical issues. That would not necessarily influence an individual decision to use force and handcuff somebody during such an operation. Greater Manchester Police do have a Use of Force policy which is available to officers as guidance for recording the use of force. Officers are also trained in the legislation relevant to the use of force and have access to numerous nationally developed guidance documents to assist in their decision making. Postal address: Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS