ACPO Protection Driver Manual 2009

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Protection Driving
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© ACPO National Police Driving 2009

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, modified,
amended, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means,
without the prior written permission of the National Police Driving Schools Group or
its representative.
Enquiries: ACPO Lead on Police Driver Training

2
Guide to the Programme
Protection Driving 2009

Copyright does not apply to UK and Northern Ireland Police Forces and Authorities
who are authorised to use this material for official purposes only.
Introduction
The Protection Driving training programme should be delivered in conjunction with
the guidance and training requirements contained within Part 1 of the ACPO/ACPOS
Police Driving manual 2009 which gives general advice with regard to the delivery of
the Police driver training programme, an introduction to competencies and
competency assessment, classroom guidance and health and safety requirements.
This stand-alone training programme has been designed to help forces develop
effective protection driving courses based upon National Occupational Standards
and ACPO/ACPOS policies.

Contents
Overview of Programme 5
Unit 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics 7
Element 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics 8
Unit 2: Protection Driving Skills 10
Element 1: Protection Driving Skills 12
Unit 3: VIP Motorcycle Escort 15
Element 1: VIP Motorcycle Escorts 17
Unit 4: Mobile Protection Escorts 21
Element 1: Mobile Protection Escorts 22
Underpinning knowledge 26
Instructor’s Qualification 27
Correlation of ACPO Protection Driving Course Units to NOS 28

4
Overview of Programme
This programme of training covers the provision of protected vehicle escorts. It is

relevant to drivers of armed / unarmed protected escorts. The escort may be provided
for a variety of reasons including VIP’s, high-risk prisoners, protected witnesses, high
value loads and sensitive property.
The below Units have been jointly produced by the National Police Driving Standards
Group and MPS Protection Command.
It is intended as a framework to set minimum National standards for Protection

Drivers and have been designed to help forces develop effective driving courses for
protection driving based upon the National Occupational Standards and
ACPO/ACPOS policies This does not preclude the provision of additional training to
meet the needs of individual police services, however it is essential to ensure national
operational consistency.
The programme is divided into four Units:
Units 1 Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics
Units 2 Protection Driving Skills
Units 3 VIP Motorcycle Escorts
Units 4 Mobile Protection Escorts
Dependant on the drivers / riders operational roles the necessary competency to

undertake such specialist driving / riding may be achieved by attaining either a single
or multiple Units as follows:
 Unit 1 can be a stand-alone module.
 Unit 2 is used where persons will be involved in VIP Close Protection driving.
(Unit 1 should be completed prior to operational deployment)
 Unit 3 is a stand-alone Module, as motorcyclists are often not directly involved

or authorised for car based operations.
 Unit 4 is used where persons will be involved in Mobile Protection Escorts.

(Unit 1 should be completed prior to operational deployment)
Protection Diver / Riders will be reassessed, based on individual Police Service policy,
the frequency of skills used and local management decisions.

6
Protection Driving
UNIT 1: EVASIVE AND OFFENSIVE DRIVING TACTICS
Unit 1 Summary
This Unit is about Evasive and Offensive driving skills, which are built on the
foundation of proven, advanced driving skills. These skills maybe required by a
protection driver in order to escape an attack or hijack attempt.
Overview
At the commencement of training students should be aware that these tactics are
additional to that of careful and concise planning, preparation and route selection.
Complacency in any of these areas may lead to the operation being compromised
from the outset, thereby increasing the risks.
The role of a protection driver within this Unit is that of a competent driver, who
remains aware of options and displays not only the ability to select the correct option,
but can demonstrate this option competently, if the need arises.
With this in mind all tactics and training for evasive and offensive driving should
remain quick and simple and be applied with common sense.

Protection Driving
Unit 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics
Element 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving tactics
No Performance Criteria
Demonstrate the ability to maintain control of the car at all limits of
1
adhesion.
2 Demonstrate the ability to steer accurately both forward & in reverse.
Demonstrate the ability to perform controlled & effective escape

3
techniques.
4 Demonstrate driver competence in all protection situations.
Demonstrate understanding of active and passive vehicle systems &

5
their effect on Evasive and Offensive driving tactics.
Range Statement
1 Vehicle Types. A Front Wheel Drive
B Rear Wheel Drive
C 4 Wheel drive
D Vehicles with high centre of gravity
2 Working as part of Team. A Team of one or more

B One or more vehicles
Links to ACPO/ACPOS Police Driving Manual

As a pre-requisite, candidates undertaking this unit must demonstrate the
competencies contained within Section 3 Advanced Police Driving of the
current ACPO/ACPOS Police Driver Training Manual 2009.

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Protection Driving
Unit 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics
Element 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics Assessment Record
Name: ______________________________ Rank & No: __________________
Date: _______________________________
Weather/Visibility: ________________________________________________
Assessment type: ________________________________________________
Assessor: ___________________________ Vehicle: _____________________
Competent/Not competent: _________________________________________

Unit Element PC Assessment Headings Scale
1 2 3 4
1* 1 All PCs Attitude/Stress management
Maintain car control at limits of
1 1 1
adhesion
Steer accurately forward /
1 1 .2
reverse
1 1 3 Controlled & effective escape
Competence in all protection
1 1 4
situations
1 1 5 Effects of safety systems
during evasive and offensive
8* 1 1,2,3
driving tactics.
(1) Significant development required (2) Shows potential (3) Achieves required standard (4)
Exceeds required standard. PC = Performance Criteria
* From ACPO Police Driving Manual 2009 (Advanced)

Protection Driving
UNIT 2 PROTECTION DRIVING SKILLS
Unit summary
This unit is about preparing for and driving within a motorcycle escort or
discreet protection convoy, to control and position your vehicle correctly at all
times in accordance with the type of the escort, threat assessment and nature
of the road.
Unit Overview
Statistics show that the majority of attacks on protected persons happen whilst
they are in transit, upon arrival at or departure from, a venue. Therefore, in
most of these instances, the principal will be in or near to their vehicles, which if
used correctly offer the best means of defence and most importantly escape.
Principals spend a considerable time in vehicles and frequently work during

journeys therefore the drive they receive should be of the highest quality. This is
not only for their personal comfort but to reduce the risk of road traffic
incidents/compromise.
To realise the full potential of a protection vehicle it is essential that the

Specialist Protection Driver is fully trained in the requisite tactical and vehicle
handling skills.
Experience has shown that unescorted and discreet protection convoys should
consist of no more than two vehicles. Skills have been developed and refined
over many years to enable these two vehicles to work as a team. These
methods will continue to be examined and if necessary changed to reflect the
ever-changing threats posed by terrorism and criminal activity.
Range Statement
1 Role A Lead Vehicle

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B Backup Vehicle
C Pilot Vehicle
2 All Road Types A Motorways & Dual Carriageways
B Major Roads
C Minor Roads
D Urban Roads
E Rural Settings
3 Traffic Volume A Low
B High

Protection Driving
Unit 2 Protection Driving skills
ELEMENT 1 PROTECTION DRIVING SKILLS
Carry out the necessary pre-use inspection & search of your vehicle to ensure
1 that it is safe and that you and the vehicle are appropriately equipped for the
role in accordance with legislation and policy.
Explain the differences in vehicle handling characteristics for heavy, light
2 armoured and soft-skin vehicles and the affect this has on braking,
acceleration, steering and subsequent passenger comfort.
Demonstrate the ability to drive protection vehicles effectively, in a safe,
3 systematic and smooth manner.
Demonstrate & or explain the appropriate use of Road Traffic Act exemptions,
4 including tactical use of the vehicle and relevant legislation.
Carry out appropriate briefings/de-briefing for drivers of vehicles included within

5 the protection convoy.
Demonstrate an ability to use effective communication skills and complete

6 documentation as required.
7 Drive competently and safely under motorcycle escort.
8 Demonstrate knowledge of pick-up and set down techniques.
Demonstrate and discuss route planning, cross border protocols, roles &
9 responsibilities.
10 Maintain overall competency in advanced driving skills.
Take appropriate action at road features, hazards or points of potential conflict

11 to ensure the safe passage of the protected people and other road users.
Deal with individuals in an ethical manner recognising their needs with respect
12 to race, diversity and human rights.
13 Discuss tactical responses to attack or compromise.

12
Protection Driving
Unit 2 Protection Driving skills
Element 1 Protection Driving skills Assessment record
Name: ______________________________ Rank & No: __________________
Date: _______________________________
Assessment type: ________________________________________________
Assessor: ___________________________ Vehicle: _____________________

1 2 3 4
1 1 All PCs Attitude/Stress management
2 1 1 Pre-use inspection
2 1 2 Handling Characteristics
2 1 3 Drive safely to needs of convoy
2 1 4 Tactical use of vehicle
2 1 5 Briefing / de-briefing
2 1 6 Communication / Documentation
2 1 7 Drive safely under motorcycle escort
6 1 8 Pick- ups and set downs
Route Planning, Roles and
2 1 9
Responsibilities
2 1 10 Maintain driving standards
2 1 11 Safe passage of other road users

2 1 12 Diversity and Human Rights
2 1 13 Tactical response to attack

Links to ACPO/ACPOS Driving Manual 2009

Units 10 –17 Advanced Police Driving
Unit 23, Element 1, Provide a Vehicle Escort for the safe passage of other road
users

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Protection Driving
UNIT 3 VIP MOTORCYCLE ESCORTS
Unit Summary
This unit is about preparing for and riding within a motorcycle escort or discreet
protection convoy. To control and position your vehicle correctly at all times in
accordance with the type of the escort, threat assessment and nature of the
road.
Unit Overview
The movement of any protected person between two given locations provides
the greatest opportunity for any terrorist or criminal to affect their purpose. The
continued movement of a convoy is more desirable than stop/start driving in
normal traffic conditions. One of the options available for a Personal Protection
Team to enhance security is the use of a mobile escort.
Under normal circumstances a mobile escort consists of motorcycles. In some

circumstances cars can be included for a specific role or as the result of a risk
assessment. Often the facilitation of a principal is within a town or city area
where the use of motorcycles has distinct advantages over cars.
The advantages of using motorcycles are;
More effective facilitation through traffic with minimal disruption to the

community and other road users and is a less resource intensive deployment.
The role of an escort motorcyclist is very demanding and challenging. It

requires high levels of concentration, self discipline, planning, assertiveness,

team work, judgement, decision making, communication and resilience, all
performed whilst;
Riding a motorcycle in safe competent manner.
Working safely within a team of motorcycles.
Facilitating the safe and secure movement of the escorted convoy.
Awareness of tactical options (hospitals / safe houses) as route progresses.
Considering alternative routes should an incident or contingency arise.
This is multi tasking of a highest level and for most individuals to become fully
proficient at this skill it takes considerable practice. The rationale behind this
course is to furnish an escort motorcyclist with the skills and techniques to
provide a safe and effective escort for a protected person and other road users.
This training is not intended for the role of a protection officer riding a
motorcycle.

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Protection Driving
Unit 3 VIP Motorcycle Escorts
Element 1 VIP Motorcycle Escorts
1 that it is safe and that you and the motorcycle are appropriately equipped for
the role in accordance with legislation and policy.
Demonstrate the ability to ride motorcycles effectively, in a safe, systematic and
2 smooth manner.
Carry out appropriate briefings/de-briefing for all drivers of vehicles included

4 within the protection convoy/escort.

5 documentation as required.
7 responsibilities.
8 Maintain overall competency in enhanced riding skills
10 Discuss tactical responses to attack or compromise

11 to ensure the safe passage of all road users
Range Statement

1 Role A Lead Motorcycle

B Working Motorcycle
B Major Roads
C Minor Roads
D Urban Roads
E Rural Settings
B High

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Protection Driving
Unit 3 VIP Motorcycle Escorts
Element 1 VIP Motorcycle Escorts Assessment record
Name: ______________________________ Rank & No: __________________
Date: _______________________________
Assessment type: ________________________________________________
Assessor:___________________________ Vehicle: _____________________

1 2 3 4
1* 1 All PCs Attitude/Stress management
Pre-use inspection, search and
3 1 1
equipment
All Maintain effective riding
3 2
elements standards within convoy
3 1 3 Tactics and riding exemptions
3 1 4 Briefings / de-briefings
Communication /
3 1 6
Documentation
3 1 6 Pick-ups and set down
Route planning, protocols, roles
3 1 7
and responsibilities
Enhanced riding skills within
3 1 8
convoy
Tactical response to attack or
3 1 9
compromise
Safe passage of other road
3 1 11
users

* From Police Motorcycle Manual 2009
Links to ACPO/ACPOS Motorcycle Manual 2009

Standard / Advanced Motorcycle Manual
Unit 18 Elements 1 Provide a Vehicle Escort for the safe passage of other road
users

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Protection Driving
UNIT 4 MOBILE PROTECTION ESCORTS
Unit summary
This unit is about preparing for and driving within a mobile protection escort to
control and position your vehicle correctly at all times in accordance with the
type of the escort, threat assessment and nature of the road.
Unit Overview
In certain circumstances the use of a mobile protection escort provides a
proportionate & appropriate response. The types of escort could include:
 High Risk Prisoners

 Protected Witnesses
 High Value Loads
 Sensitive Property
This Module of mobile protection focuses on tactical driving skills and

techniques. The system of operation can equally be applied to both armed &
unarmed escorts.
All Firearms based training including Mobile Protection, must be National Police
Improvement Agency compliant. However Firearms Instructors may not have
the requisite driving skills in Mobile Protection Techniques. Under these
circumstances training can be delivered by occupationally competent officers
who posses the necessary specialist skills. This Module will not teach firearms
tactics but only skills in escorting techniques and contingency incidents.
This method of operation has been based on ‘best practice’ developed over the
years by the Metropolitan Police Special Escort Group, evolving to meet current
demands and requirements.

Protection Driving
Unit 4 Mobile Protection Escorts
Element 1 Mobile Protection Escorts
1 that it is safe and that you and the vehicle are appropriately equipped for the
role in accordance with legislation and policy.
Demonstrate the ability to drive vehicles effectively, in a safe, systematic and
2 smooth manner.
Carry out appropriate briefings/de-briefing for all drivers of vehicles included

4 within the protection convoy/escort.

5 documentation as required
7 responsibilities.
8 Maintain overall competency in Advanced driving skills
10 Discuss tactical responses to attack or compromise

11 to ensure the safe passage of all road users
Range Statement

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1 Role A Point Car

B Lead Car
C Escorted Vehicle
D Rear Car
E Sweep Car
F Pilot Car
B Major Roads
C Minor Roads
D Urban Roads
E Rural Settings
B High

Protection Driving
Unit 4 Mobile Protection Escorts
Element 1 Mobile Protection Assessment record
Name: ______________________________ Rank & No: __________________
Date: _______________________________
Assessment type: ________________________________________________
Assessor:___________________________ Vehicle: _____________________

1 2 3 4
1 1 All PCs Attitude/Stress management
Pre-use inspection, search and
4 1 1
equipment
Maintain effective driving
4 2
standards within convoy
4 1 3 Tactical use of the vehicle
4 1 4 Briefings/de-briefing
4 5 Communication / Documentation
4 1 6 Pick-up and set down
Route planning, cross border
4 1 7 protocols, roles &
responsibilities.
Maintain overall competency in

4 1 8
Advanced driving skills

Discuss tactical responses to
4 1 9
attack or compromise

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Ensure the safe passage of

4 1 10
convoy
Links to ACPO/ACPOS Driving Manual 2009

Units 10 – 17 Advanced Police Driving
Unit 23 Element 1 Provide a Vehicle Escort for the safe passage of other road
users
Underpinning Knowledge
Civil Law
Road Traffic Legislation

Road Safety Act 2006

Sec 3 Criminal Law Act 1967
Sec 117 Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Article 2 & 8 Human Rights Act 1988
Health & Safety Legislation
Highway Code
Roadcraft Manual
Force Policy & Directives
ACPO Guidelines on Mobile Protection
Manufacturers hand book
National Protection Drivers Manual
Instructor’s Qualification
To meet the diverse range of skills within protection driving / riding, the required
instructor / trainer qualification is as follows: -

26
Police Driving Instructor occupationally and or operationally

Unit 1
competent in this Unit
Trainer who is occupationally and or operationally competent
Unit 2
in this Unit
Unit 3
in this Unit
Unit 4
in this Unit

Correlation of ACPO Protection Driving Course Units to NOS
Protection Driving
Driving Element NOS
Unit
Unit 1 Element 1
Evasive and Offensive Driving Standards CE203.1: 7/13
Essential Attitudes CE201.2: 5/6

AA1.1
Unit 2 Element 1
Protection Driving Skills CE203.1: 1 – 15
Prepare Vehicle for Use CE201.1: 1 – 5
Drive Vehicles Safely / Essential Attitudes CE201.2:: 1 – 9
AA1.1
Provide a Vehicle Escort CE202.1: 1 to 18

Unit 3 Element 1
VIP Motorcycle Escorts CE203:1 1-12 14 15–
CE201.1: 1 – 5
Prepare Vehicle for Use CE201.2:1 – 9
Drive Vehicles Safely / Essential Attitudes AA1.1
CE202:1: 1- 18
Provide a Vehicle Escort
Unit 4 Element 1
Mobile Protection CE203: 1 – 15
Prepare Vehicle for Use CE201.1: 1 – 5
Drive Vehicles Safely / Essential Attitudes CE201.2: 1 – 9
AA1.1
Provide a Vehicle Escort CE202.1: 1 to 17

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© ACPO National Police Driving 2009

Enquiries: ACPO Lead on Police Driver Training

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Guide to the Programme

Protection Driving 2009

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Unit 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics 7

Element 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics 8

Unit 2: Protection Driving Skills 10

Element 1: Protection Driving Skills 12

Unit 3: VIP Motorcycle Escort 15

Element 1: VIP Motorcycle Escorts 17

Unit 4: Mobile Protection Escorts 21

Element 1: Mobile Protection Escorts 22

Correlation of ACPO Protection Driving Course Units to NOS 28

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This programme of training covers the provision of protected vehicle escorts. It is

It is intended as a framework to set minimum National standards for Protection

The programme is divided into four Units:

Units 1 Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics

Units 2 Protection Driving Skills

Units 3 VIP Motorcycle Escorts

Units 4 Mobile Protection Escorts

Dependant on the drivers / riders operational roles the necessary competency to

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 Unit 1 can be a stand-alone module.

 Unit 3 is a stand-alone Module, as motorcyclists are often not directly involved

 Unit 4 is used where persons will be involved in Mobile Protection Escorts.

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UNIT 1: EVASIVE AND OFFENSIVE DRIVING TACTICS

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Unit 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics

Element 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving tactics

2 Demonstrate the ability to steer accurately both forward & in reverse.

Demonstrate the ability to perform controlled & effective escape

4 Demonstrate driver competence in all protection situations.

Demonstrate understanding of active and passive vehicle systems &

2 Working as part of Team. A Team of one or more

Links to ACPO/ACPOS Police Driving Manual

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Unit 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics

Element 1: Evasive and Offensive Driving Tactics Assessment Record

Name: ______________________________ Rank & No: __________________

Assessment type: ________________________________________________

Assessor: ___________________________ Vehicle: _____________________

Competent/Not competent: _________________________________________

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UNIT 2 PROTECTION DRIVING SKILLS

Principals spend a considerable time in vehicles and frequently work during

To realise the full potential of a protection vehicle it is essential that the

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Unit 2 Protection Driving skills

ELEMENT 1 PROTECTION DRIVING SKILLS

Carry out appropriate briefings/de-briefing for drivers of vehicles included within

Demonstrate an ability to use effective communication skills and complete

7 Drive competently and safely under motorcycle escort.

8 Demonstrate knowledge of pick-up and set down techniques.

10 Maintain overall competency in advanced driving skills.

Take appropriate action at road features, hazards or points of potential conflict

13 Discuss tactical responses to attack or compromise.

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Name: ____________ Rank & No:

Assessor: _______ Vehicle: _

Name: ____________ Rank & No:

Assessor: _______ Vehicle: _

Name: ____________ Rank & No:

Assessor:_______ Vehicle: _

Name: ____________ Rank & No:

Assessor:_______ Vehicle: _