Posted By Jim O'Dwyer Hi Shane, I think a Purchasing Policy should include something along the lines of: 1. No Purchasing Officer shall authorise the purchase, hire, or leasing of equipment unless and until due assessment has been made of the potential for aggression to surface by, from, or in connection with its use. 2. An "Impact Assessment" should be prepared and accompany each purchase, hire or leasing agreement. (The Purchasing Officer will be personally responsible for ensuring 'due diligence'.) 3. Any re-order must be justified by a fresh review (including details of efforts made to establish whether safer equipment is available). 4. If a risk of aggression is inherent in the use of the equipment, the Risk Manager MUST be consulted prior to ordering and their views recorded in the "Impact Assessment". 5. The Risk Manager will be responsible for communicating information on the risks to those affected and also for devising and ensuring the safest work practice. 6. Any doubts about the suitability of equipment should be referred to the local police Crime Prevention Officer. Best wishes, Jim O'Dwyer __________________ NOTE: "Secured by Design" is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing out crime. http://www.securedbydesign.com/