Before the eviction, a detailed operational plan will be developed which will include both a general and a pre-planned risk assessment.

General risk assessment

The general risk assessment will be based on information provided by the client. This will include details of the property or land, topography, estimated number of occupants, boundaries and, if possible, plans.

If known, details of any affiliations of the occupants are helpful, for example they may be linked to the protest group Occupy.

Pre-planned risk assessment

A pre-planned risk assessment is the next phase, where clients are asked for any additional information. Site visits and intelligence from the local police are used to establish the layout, number of people on site, including children, vulnerable adults and animals, visible barricades, any signs of potential lock-ons and rooftop/treetop occupation.

Operational plan

Once this information is gathered, an operational plan is established having determined potential methods of entry; an evaluation of what specialist teams and equipment are needed; and the level of police support.

The Courts Act 2003 Schedule 7(5) grants the right to request police to assist in the enforcement of a High Court writ, and Section 189 of this Act, makes it an offence to obstruct an enforcement agent executing a High Court writ of possession.

Dynamic risk assessment

During the eviction, the authorised High Court Enforcement Officer (formerly known as a sheriffs officer) and the certificated enforcement agents will need to undertake dynamic risk assessment as circumstances present themselves.

We prepare for this through thorough training, sharing expertise and knowledge, all underpinned by our detailed operational processes and informed by our operational plan.

Get in touch

To discuss a case or book a free initial consultation and risk assessment, call us on 03330 031919 or send us a message.