Visual guide to law enforcement and security equipment Context • Interviewing relevant people and recording how equipment was used can establish if the equipment was misused. Ask interviewees for a description of the circumstances where weapons or equipment were used. If possible, also ask relevant authorities (such as prison governors or national or regional authorities) for copies of policies or regulations governing use of force, particularly any documentation that specifies which weapons and equipment are authorised for use by law enforcement officers and how these weapons can be used (including record keeping, storage, and training). Injuries • For information on documenting injuries caused by policing weapons and equipment, please refer to the Legal Resources Centre’s Guidelines for Frontline Personnel in Combating Torture, available on their website, 34 as well as the Istanbul Protocol: Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 35 WARNING: Do not put yourself at risk. 34 • Always assume that weapons are loaded and that ammunition and ordnance is ‘live’ and could cause injury. • Do not take unnecessary risks trying to handle equipment. • Unless you have received specialist training and know what you are doing, leave the items alone and simply observe from a distance. https://lrc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/Main-Guideline-Document-1.pdf OHCHR, Manual on the effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Istanbul Protocol), 2004, HR/P/PT/8/Rev.1. 35 8