What are your rights for self-defence if and when attacked?

In the UK, the law on self-defence is outlined under common law and the Criminal Law Act 1967. Here’s a summary of your rights regarding self-defence if you are attacked:

Common Law Principles

1. Reasonable Force: You are allowed to use reasonable force to defend yourself or others if you are attacked. The force used must be proportionate to the threat posed.

2. Imminent Threat: Self-defence is only justified if there is an immediate threat. You cannot use force pre-emptively without their being an imminent danger.

3. Duty to Retreat: There is no legal requirement to retreat if you are in your home ("householder cases"), but outside the home, the law encourages avoiding confrontation if possible.

Criminal Law Act 1967

• Section 3: This section states that 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 persons unlawfully at large.

Householder Cases

• In your home, you can use disproportionate force if you believe you are in imminent danger. This is still subject to a test of reasonableness. The force must not be grossly disproportionate.

Key Points to Consider

• Proportionality: The amount of force used must be in proportion to the threat faced. Excessive force can result in criminal charges.

• Honest Belief: The person using force must have an honest belief that it is necessary to defend themselves or others.

• Consequences: If force results in serious injury or death, the police will investigate to ensure the force used was reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.

Legal Defence

If you are charged with a crime for using force in self-defence, you may argue that:

1. You were defending yourself, others, or property.

2. You were preventing a crime.

3. The force used was reasonable and necessary in the circumstances.

Legal Advice

In any case of self-defence where force is used, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to ensure your actions are justified under UK law.

Essential Upskilling

The British Security Industry Authority (SIA) has demanded improvements to the training for security professionals, introducing new measures to bolster skills and establish consistent competence standards across the sector.

Among the notable advancements are the inclusion of medical skills and counter-terrorism awareness training, which are especially crucial for those working in the night-time economy. The SIA recognizes the diverse skill requirements across different sectors of the security industry, highlighting the importance of tailoring training to specific needs. Moreover, the approach to training delivery is shifting towards a hybrid model that combines classroom instruction with self-study, adapting to the dynamic nature of security operations.

Since October 2022, security professionals needing to renew their SIA licenses must complete further training to maintain the workforce's expected high standards; the sort that reinforces essential skills for emergency medical interventions, conflict management, physical interventions, and actions to counter terrorism.

These efforts to advance training and standards are pivotal in ensuring that security personnel are well-prepared for their roles and by establishing clear standards and fostering opportunities for professional development, the security industry is set for ongoing improvement and growth.

Yet, concerns have emerged about some training providers conducting physical intervention training in overcrowded or inappropriate spaces, prioritizing quantity over quality. This undermines the safety and effectiveness of the training, as illustrated in this recent video depicting a real-life event.

Context: On April 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the Mayor of San Jose was giving an interview to local reporters outside an event in downtown San Jose with the protection of just one CPO who serves full-time as a law enforcement officer. His inexperience is painfully obvious on so many levels.

Despite clear recommendations for secure and suitable training environments, certain organizations persist in ignoring these guidelines, thus undermining the quality and safety of the training for students undergoing the additional training required to renew their SIA licenses. 

The Professional Bodyguard Association advocates strongly for the necessity of safe training environments and promote optimal settings for effective and secure physical intervention training.

For example, our Liverpool venue, equipped with all required amenities, serves as an ideal model for realistic training scenarios. When investing in training, it is essential to demand the best possible conditions to ensure you are thoroughly equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for your role, with a focus on safety and practicality.

Medical Training for Close Protection Operatives!

For Close Protection Operatives (CPOs), selecting the right medical training course is pivotal due to the unique demands of their roles, which often place them in situations requiring a prominent level of preparedness to handle medical emergencies.

The selection among St John Ambulance First Aid at Work or similar courses, Qualsafe Level 3 First Response Emergency Care, QNUK Level 3 First Responder, and QNUK Level 3 First Person on Scene International should depend on the distinct needs of operational environments, the required depth of medical knowledge, and the specific practical skills that need to be acquired.

FAAW – Level 3 First Aid at Work (RQF) is a foundational course designed to equip individuals with the essential skills needed to perform first aid in the workplace. While it covers the basics, it might not delve into the depth required for the complex and unpredictable situations often encountered by Close Protection Operatives​ (Qualifications Network)​.

FREC – Qualsafe Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (RQF) is tailored for those who might be first on the scene at medical emergencies, including CPOs. It covers a wide range of emergency care topics, making it suitable for those in high-risk environments. The course is thorough, with practical assessments, multiple-choice question papers, and a detailed focus on both trauma and medical illness management​ (St John Ambulance)​.

FR – QNUK Level 3 First Responder (RQF) provides a more advanced level of first aid knowledge beyond standard training. It's particularly beneficial for those in security roles, focusing on skills such as advanced airway management and catastrophic haemorrhage control. This course is noted for meeting more level D competency descriptors on The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh Faculty of Pre-hospital Care Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) framework, indicating its rigor and relevance​ (Life Saving Training)​.

FPOSI – QNUK Level 3 First Person on Scene International (RQF) is specifically designed for individuals working in environments where immediate care is essential. It has a strong reputation within the security sector for its relevant content and practical applications. This course surpasses other Level 3 pre-hospital care courses by aligning more closely with the Grade D and E descriptors of the PHEM Skill framework, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to pre-hospital care and particularly beneficial for Close Protection Operatives working internationally, given its global perspective and focus on a wide array of medical emergencies​ (Life Saving Training)​.

Considering the specialized nature of Close Protection, Qualsafe Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (RQF) and QNUK Level 3 First Person on Scene International (RQF) stand out as the more appropriate choices due to their extensive coverage of pre-hospital care topics, practical skills training, and alignment with the competencies required for high-risk operational settings.

The choice between these two would depend on the specific operational scope, with the latter being particularly beneficial for those working across international settings.

Regardless, each course has its strengths and is designed with different objectives in mind. It’s essential to evaluate the specific requirements of your role, the types of emergencies you are likely to encounter, and your career progression goals before deciding. Consulting with industry peers, employers, or professional advisors who understand the unique demands of close protection work will offer valuable insights into which qualification will best enhance your capabilities as a CPO.