E.08.07.R2 Operational Debriefing

Purpose of an operational debriefing

The purpose of an operational debriefing is to provide staff involved in the incident the opportunity to discuss what happened (facts only), and lessons that can be learned from the way the incident was handled.

Operational debriefings are only required for serious incidents outlined in this section, and should be facilitated by:

• The Incident Controller, who is likely to be the Prison Manager, or other person authorised by the Prison Manager for internal (prison) serious incidents. The facilitator should be selected based on the site’s requirements and circumstances.
• The PECCS Manager, for SPECC serious incidents, and they are also responsible for a providing a facilitator.

An operational debriefing should be used to verify whether key processes in the approved emergency plan (where applicable) were followed correctly.

The operational debriefing is also an opportunity for staff involved in the incident to ask any questions they may have, or raise issues that they feel should be discussed.

Timing of an operational debriefing

The operational debriefing should be held as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the incident, ideally within 24 hours of the incident.

The timing of the operational debriefing should ensure that those involved in the incident are able to attend and contribute effectively to the discussion.

Notification of operational debriefing to PIRT Coordinator

The Incident Controller is to advise the PIRT Coordinator of:

• the incident;
• the time and venue of the operational debriefing; and
• provide a copy of the completed Notification of Incident form (E.08.01.F1).

The PIRT Coordinator is to arrange, where practicable, the attendance of a member of the PIRT team at the operational debriefing and will then coordinate a Peer Support briefing.

For further information on the PIRT Policy and Process refer to Related Links - "Post Incident Response Team (PIRT) Manual".

The purpose of the PIRT scheme is to provide support to staff enabling them to successfully integrate back into work and regain effective well being and performance as soon as possible after a serious incident.

Incidents that require an operational incident debriefing

The following incidents must have an operational debriefing:

• Death in custody
• Escape / Attempted escape
• Self harm – threat to life e.g. attempted suicide
• Serious assault by prisoner on staff
• Serious assault on prisoner
• Collective disruption or riotous behaviour
• Hostage or siege situation
• Serious fire or arson (including attempts)
• Any other incident the Prison Manager deems appropriate for a debriefing.
• Control and Restraint
  (Note: A debriefing is already required for this type of incident, see B.13.01 procedure 6. Only one debriefing for a C&R incident is required).

What must be covered in an operational debriefing

The following points / issues must be included in an operational debriefing:

• The process for keeping staff and others involved in the incident informed on progress / outcomes.
• Acknowledgement of the way that the incident was handled.
• An opportunity for staff involved in the incident to ask questions / clarify points in the incident (rather than conduct a psychological debrief).
• To confirm immediate remedial action that can be taken.
• To identify / clarify staff support opportunities that are available e.g. PIRT.
• To discuss the lessons that can be learned as a result of the incident.
• Verification that processes in the approved emergency plan were followed (where the incident was of a type covered in the emergency plan).
• To decide whether or not there is a need to update, amend or make an addition to the emergency plan as a result of the incident.
• Any other issues that the Prison Manager, or staff involved in the incident wish to raise.

Responsibilities

Incident Controller is responsible for operational debriefing

• Managers are selected and appointed by the Senior Management Team to run the debriefing and are trained as part of their on-call training.
• Debriefing managers are responsible for:
  • Ensuring that all staff involved in an incident attend the debriefing.
  • Holding a debriefing as soon as practicable after an incident.
  • Setting aside a private area for the debriefing away from the main work area.
  • Ensuring that all reports and forms (B.13.01.F2 Use of Force Report) are completed.
  • Ensuring that staff are aware that support opportunities are there for them such as PIRT (Post Incident Response Team) and EAP.
  • Deciding whether or not to hold a group specialist briefing with external support (e.g. Police or Critical Incident Expert).
  • Ensuring that any training identified as being required is discussed and forwarded to the relevant Learning and Development Advisor (LADA).

PECCS Manager

PECCS Managers are responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance in the management of all aspects of operational debriefing.

Unit Manager / On-Call Manager

• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance in the management of all aspects of incident debriefing.