SWC Expert Group

Experts in the prediction, prevention and management of challenging, disruptive and violent behaviour, and in the safer use of force

We are a specialist consultancy focusing on managing challenging, disruptive and violent behaviour and in the safer use of force.

We are experienced in all settings in which the management of challenging and violent behaviour may be required including policing, custodial, security, clinical, care and educational settings.

Legal entity: SWC Experts is a network of recognised specialists with a particular interest in managing challenging, disruptive and violent behaviour and in the safer use of force. SWC Experts is not a business and Associates are not employees or partners.

Our services

General Consultancy

Our consultancy services cover the legal, ethical, behavioural, tactical and medical aspects of safely managing challenging behaviour. Learn more

Principles for Safer Restraint

Even though there are many different systems of restraint, principles for safer restraint remain almost identical. Learn more

Expert Witness

The Managing Associates have been instructed in more than 3,000 cases covering civil, criminal and coroners’ courts throughout the UK and other countries. Learn more

PMVA Endorsement

The SWC ‘Safe Caring Secure’™ rating and endorsement scheme is the Gold Standard for assessing the work done by Organisations to look after their staff and patients’ safety, security and wellbeing. Learn more

What others say about us

"Eric Baskind’s vast knowledge of the subject and outstanding professional approach made him a formidable Expert Witness respected and admired even by our opponents" "As a clinical lead for violence reduction Pete Turner promoted a strategic and reflective approach to delivering safer services" "I instructed Eric Baskind as an Expert Witness to advise Prison Officers on Home Office methods of Control & Restraint in countless pieces of litigation with considerable success in what were at the time ground breaking claims" "By medically auditing our Restrictive Physical Intervention techniques, we have ensured the safety and wellbeing of all our children within the limits and guidelines of the law" "As lead for developing the High Secure Services Manual he successfully managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders delivering significant innovation and ultimately improvements in care" "I would strongly recommend Pete Turner for his expertise in relation to the prevention and safer management of violence and also project management" "Mr Baskind’s report is a model of its kind - clear, well-reasoned and logically set out" "Pete works in a co-produced way with staff and patients in the hospital to improve the patient experience" "I can confidently say that the evidence of the nature produced by Mr Baskind can make the difference between winning or losing a finely balanced and contested case" "Pete has provided the team with up to date knowledge, strategies and planning in a highly professional manor which has had a lasting impact in how we perceive risk" "I have always found Mr Baskind to be extremely helpful, with a great work ethic and a pleasure to deal with" "He provided robust models for forensic evidence collecting, when diagnosing use of force incidents, and provided operational staff and managers with a far better understanding of the medical implications of dynamic skills in both training and operational environments"

The Principal Associates

Mr Eric Baskind

Eric Baskind is a consultant in violence reduction and the safer use of force. He is senior lecturer in law at Liverpool John Moores University and Visiting Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes University. He is also Chair of the Centre for Physical Interventions, British Self Defence Governing Body. His particular research focus is concerned with the evaluation of the many different systems of managing disruptive, aggressive and violent behaviour which include de-escalation, communication, behavioural management, disengagement and restraint. Learn more

Mr Peter Turner

Peter Turner is an experienced specialist with a demonstrated history spanning over 30 years of working within high secure and forensic mental health settings. Skilled in the design and delivery of violence reduction and least restrictive clinical and operational strategies to predict, prevent and manage acute behavioural disturbances. He has extensive experience of working with some of the most vulnerable and violent groups who require enhanced support to proactively deliver safe recovery focused care within very challenging settings and unique set of circumstances. Learn more

Examples of our Associates’ work

Our Associates have provided our services to many of the leading organisations and been instructed in a number of the most high-profile and significant cases in recent years.