BTEC Law + NDM

Section 1 PACE 1984

Power to stop and search persons or vehicles for stolen goods, offensive weapons, bladed articles, or prohibited items based on reasonable grounds for suspicion.

Section 24 PACE 1984

Power of a constable to arrest without a warrant anyone committing, about to commit, or suspected of an offence, provided it passes the Necessity Test (PACE Code G).

COP-NECESSARY

Acronym for Section 24 PACE arrest necessity: Child protection, Obstruction of highway, Prevent injury/damage, Name/address unknown, Evidence protection, Save vulnerable person, Special investigation, Disappearance prevention.

Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967

Allows any person (police officer or citizen) to use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent crime, or effect/assist in a lawful arrest.

Common Law Self-Defence

Allows an individual to use reasonable and proportionate force to defend themselves or another person from an imminent attack or threat of force.

Section 117 PACE 1984

Grants a constable authority to use reasonable force, if necessary, when exercising any power conferred by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (e.g. forced entry or handcuffing).

National Decision Model (NDM)

The primary decision-making framework used by UK police forces to assist officers in assessing risk, choosing tactical options, and justifying actions.

NDM Stage 1 - Gather Information

Collecting factual details, threat reports, subject background, environmental analysis, and dynamic changes at the scene.

NDM Stage 2 - Assess Threat & Risk

Evaluating potential harm, identifying who is at risk, determining vulnerability levels, and defining a clear operational goal.

NDM Stage 3 - Powers & Policy

Reviewing applicable legislation (e.g. PACE 1984, CLA 1967), human rights considerations (e.g. Article 2 & 8 ECHR), and police force policy.

NDM Stage 4 - Options & Contingencies

Considering tactical options, communication methods, equipment available, and backup contingency plans (What if X goes wrong?).

NDM Stage 5 - Action & Review

Executing the chosen tactical response, continuously monitoring the situation, re-evaluating changing risks, and documenting justifications.