Use of Force/ Stages of Self-Defence refer to the appropriate action you may take in various dangerous circumstances.

• You may not shoot a suspect who is not an immediate threat to life under any circumstances.

• You may not shoot a suspect who has already been shot to the point of which they are no longer a threat (they have fallen to the ground).

• You may not harm a suspect in any way who you cannot determine, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the danger they pose to others in the event they are not apprehended is significant. This applies to using force on non-violent, fleeing suspects. Cite Tennessee Vs Garner

What is Use of Force?

• Use of Force is any Hand technique which is used with the intended purpose of subduing a suspect (This does not require Supervisor Notification).

• Use of Force is the deployment of Taser Prongs unto a Suspect. Pointing a Taser at a suspect is NOT a use of Force.

• Use of Force is Discharging your duty weapon at a suspect. Pointing your weapons at a suspect is NOT a use of Force. 

Command presence is a passive form of conflict prevention and occurs when you are able to establish yourself in an authoritative position, despite not being formally in charge of the encounter.

No force is used as the mere presence of an LEO is enough to discourage crime/ anti-social behaviour or de-escalate a situation without any force used. 

Warning the suspect and advising them to comply with commands for their safety. The tone of voice is important as it has to be in a calm, firm and non-threatening manner. This is a vital skill for de-escalation.

May be required if verbal commands fail as LEOS have to use their bare hands to restrain the uncooperative subject. This may be actively engaging in defensive combat or tackling suspects to the ground (Shift + G).

If CQB (Close Quarter Combat) fails then a nightstick may be used to apprehend a violent suspect that may or may not be armed. Bear in mind that impact weapons can be lethal if used improperly.

The taser/ beanbag shotgun is not a tool of compliance and is not to be if a suspect is only refusing to cooperate. They are a component of self-defence and are to be used as such. (Immediately tasing people who run is no fun…).

Use of Lethal Force (Service Pistol, Long-gun and Shotgun) is only to be used if you believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you or another's life is at risk by threat of the suspect in question. Scenarios where this may be the case include but are not limited to: recieving gunfire, a suspect approaching aggressively whilst brandishing any kind of weapon, a suspect using a vehicle with intent to cause harm.

Supervisors must be requested to an situation in which lethal force has been used as these situations require an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) follow up with a supervisor concerning all those who discharged a service weapon.