Appreciations

Question 1

What are the steps involved in the appreciation process?

Answer 1

Aim
Factors
Courses Open
Plan

Question 2

What are the two forms of appreciation?

Answer 2

1. Full formal appreciation

2. Shortened note appreciation

Question 3

Where would you use a full formal appreciation?

Answer 3

For high level or difficult tactical or administrative problems.

Question 4

Where would you use a shortened note appreciation?

Answer 4

For urgent or pressing problems requiring immediate action, or non-urgent problems that are not complicated or complex in their composition.

Question 5

In what two sets of circumstances would you use a written appreciation as opposed to a mental one?

Answer 5

1. When there are several points to be considered and there is a danger of points being overlooked if they are not written down.
2. When a clear picture of the situation is desired to present a logical argument that will carry conviction to a higher authority.

Question 6

When doing a written shortened note appreciation, what two things need to be balanced when considering what amount to write?

Answer 6

The amount that is written is the result of balancing the need for brevity with the requirement to include all data pertinent to the problem.

Question 7

What are the three basic rules of critical thinking, and what is a brief overview of each?

Answer 7

1. Prejudice:
   Approach with an open mind. Do not have a ‘mindset’ and do not make an appreciation to justify a preconceived plan.
2. Logical and realistic assumptions:
   False assumptions = false deductions. Examine the basis for assumptions carefully - they must be based on realistic possibilities.
3. Validity:
   Deductions must follow logically from factors, but deciding on valid arguments is more a matter of judgement and experience than special formulae.

Question 8

The ‘Aim’ (Step 1) is the whole object of the exercise and the expression of what you are trying to achieve. What are the two steps in the process for forming an aim?

Answer 8

1. Review the information, identify the ‘Commander’s Intent” and any constraints on you.
2. Formulate your aim, starting with “To…” - aim must be brief, concise and solitary.

Question 9

What is the ‘Commanders Intent’? Example?

Answer 9

What you are tasked to do, or what the situation may require of you - what the desired end state or outcome will be.

Example: You are an O/C Scene and have to make a decision about whether to pick up an exhibit before the formal scene examination is conducted. Commanders Intent in this situation is what would be expected of you to ensure the exhibit is preserved.

Question 10

What is an example of a constraint you might experience while formulating an Aim?

Answer 10

An example would be getting assigned to execute a search warrant but only getting three staff to assist you - this will effect your course of action so must be considered in formulating your aim.

Question 11

What is a “Factor?” (Step 2). What should you do with your factors? Examples?

Answer 11

A factor is a fact, influence or circumstance contributing to a result.

For each factor and each deduction ask “so what?” and “therefore?” until nothing more can be drawn out of them.

Examples: Human resources, POI’s, ground, time, area, climate, administration/logistics, communications, law.

What is the weather forecast for the next 12 hours - so what - I need to establish the weather forecast for the next 12 hours - therefore - I need to contact the met service.

Question 12

What are the “Courses Open”? What are the two types of courses open?

Answer 12

What could be done, bearing in mind the factors and the deductions made from the factors. The two types are courses open to other parties, and courses open to Police.

Question 13

What are the four points to remember when considering the courses open to other parties?

Answer 13

1. Keep broad.
2. Credit suspect with certain degree of logic/wisdom
3. ID options available and effect of options on Police.
4. Ascertain any contingencies Police should consider.

Question 14

What are the three points to remember when considering the courses open to Police?

Answer 14

1. Based on deductions from relevant factors.
2. May be many - each must be examined and evaluated.
3. Discuss advantages/disadvantages of each.

Question 15

What is the “Plan”? What must it do and not do?

Answer 15

The plan is the logical result of the appreciation. It must be a clear, definite and practical proposal of the way in which the stated aim is to be achieved. It must not introduce any new matter that was not considered during the appreciation.

Question 16

What format should the plan take?

Answer 16

The SMEAC framework:
S - Situation
M - Mission
E - Execution
A - Administration/Logistics
C - Communications

Question 17

What is they style and format of a written appreciation?

Answer 17

a) Review of Situation - A brief review of the situation
b) Aim - Decide what you want to do
c) Factors - Consider what factors will help or hinder you
d) Courses -
(i) Consider what subject could do in light of factors
(ii) Consider what you could do in light of factors
(iii) Select course
e) Plan - What you will do