Use of Force Continuum

The Use of Force Continuum is what we have developed within the department to guide and aid officers in understanding when they should use their equipment.

(a) Use of Deadly force

Deadly force means force that is used against another individual, that is likely to cause serious bodily harm or death to the individual in question. The Use of Deadly force may be used if one or more of the following circumstances exists:

1. Self Defence: When deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to protect an officer who reasonably believes they are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

2. Serious Offences: When deadly force reasonably and objectively appears to be necessary to protect the general public from a serious offence. Examples: The subject in question is driving reckless to the point where it is posing an imminent threat to the general public or officers. OR The subject is currently armed with a firearm and the officers believe that without any doubt, the subject will use it.

3. Serious Threats: When deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to preserve life. This is within threats made in regards to terroristic actions and similar.

4. Explosives or Incendiaries: When deadly force reasonably appears to be necessary to prevent the theft, sabotage, unauthorised control or possession of explosives or incendiaries that may cause, without any doubt an imminent danger to the general public.

5. Apprehension: When deadly force reasonably and justifiably appears to be necessary to apprehend a subject in their escape: that, without any doubt committed a serious felony - Such as (9)2 - Assault with a Deadly Weapon (with the intent to murder) or (9)5 - Murder or the use of (7)8 - Explosives or Incendiaries, where the officers in question reasonably believes, without any doubt that the suspects will do the actions again.

6. Drawing and Pointing Firearms: Officers may draw and point their firearms at individuals to prevent them from escaping, especially in situations involving vehicles. This action is considered a show of force and is categorized as intermediate or potentially lethal force. It is used to gain compliance and control a situation without necessarily resorting to deadly force. This measure can be taken when officers believe that the suspect poses a serious threat, has committed a serious felony, or is attempting to flee in a vehicle, and other means of apprehension are not feasible.

(b) Additional Considerations Involving deadly force

If it becomes necessary to use DEADLY FORCE the following precautions shall be followed:

• A Warning - i.e - POLICE STOP or POLICE, STOP OR YOU WILL BE SHOT, should generally be given if possible before the officer discharges his firearm.

• Warning shots can not be fired at any time.

• Articulate - As long as an officer can articulate and justify the actions he has made with reasonable cause, then the officer is in most cases justified in his actions. An example could be; law 2.1.

(c) Use of Moderate force

This is the force in which an officer can use in the scenario where Less Lethal force or Moderate/Limited force fits in. - Use of Moderate Force means that the force being used against the suspect is likely to cause less injury than serious harm or death. however, has the chance of injuring the subject.

1.  Use of M26C Taser;

• • Tasers should only be used against persons who are actively resisting, exhibiting active aggression, or to prevent individuals from physically injuring themselves or others

  • The Taser may be used on suspects fleeing on foot

  • Tasers should not be replaced with deadly force and should only be used as defined in the points above

  • The M26C taser may not be deployed for an prolonged amount of time, the shock should generally last a few seconds

  • The Taser should generally be announced prior to being used, giving suspects a chance to comply before deploying the taser. This can be disregarded if other forms of moderate force were attempted, but failed or if the suspect is presenting a reasonable threat to the wellbeing of the officer.

  • The use of force policy should be followed at all times when using a taser.

2. Use of the Nightstick: 

• The Nightstick should be used in the event that a officer feels that defensive tactics should be initiated to keep themselves safe from an aggressor. 

• The Nightstick can also be used offensively, such as in the event where there are two individuals having a physical altercation and failing to comply or end the said altercation. 

• The Nightstick can be used if the officer(s) wants to clear an area from civilians, by pushing them away and ordering them back.

• The Nightstick can also be used in the event of an uncontrolled demonstration or riot.