I just turn the ignition off and the handbrake comes on . IfI want to apply the handbrake with the engine running I just lift the parking brake switch . The switch lights up red when the parking brake is on . If you want the brake on harder you press the foot brake and lift the switch . A message should come on the dash saying "PARKING BRAKE APPLIED"the message stays on for a few seconds , to release the brake just drive off as normal and the brake should release automatically.
Hope this helps .