Use Of Force

Section 9 - Use of force

Introduction

During your time within the Metropolitan Police, you will come into a lot of encounters that will vary from scene to scene and a lot of these encounters will require certain levels of force. Within the document, you will be informed on what types of weapons should be used for certain encounters.

Non-Lethal

Tackle

Only to be used against unarmed suspects, who are possibly trying to escape you - the tackle is a move where you sprint into someone - dragging them to the floor. After they have been tackled you can either detain or arrest - this is only to be used if the suspect is attempting to flee. Do not tackle someone standing still and complying with instructions.

Taser

The police-issued taser is the first level of force that should be used within confrontations with the public, the police-issued taser is a close quarters weapon that fires taser rounds that will result in the suspect being electrocuted and immobilised. We use this technique on members of the public that are causing a scene along with suspects that may not be compliant and have some sort of weapon on them. You must at all times use your taser first unless the suspect has a firearm and poses a threat. If you are in situations that are in tight areas such as shops, you should always look to use your taser before using lethal force.

Baton

The police issued baton is a compliance tool used within the Metropolitan Police, this is primarily a defensive weapon against suspects that are causing a scene. This is another non lethal option within the police force that can be used to take down suspects in a less violent way. The baton is designed to outmatch opponents without any weapons. This can be used most of the time during close quarters engagements with members of the public. If you are unable to get close to the suspect for any reason, it is advised that you switch to your taser.

Flashlight

The flashlight is not to be used as a melee weapon unless it is already equipped in hand and there is no other option. The reason for this is that the flashlight does a significant amount less damage than the baton. The flashlight is a great tool for searching for suspects in the dark, and may help you out in lots of situations. Do not hit someone with a flashlight unless absolutely necessary.

Lethal

Glock 17

The police issued Glock 17 is a lethal weapon within the metropolitan police, this is a primary defence weapon against suspects which are using lethal force. The usual bullet weight is 9mm and ranges from 115-147 grains meaning the Glock 17 is not only a powerful weapon but also a weapon that can penetrate some armours such as level 1 and 2. The short recoil–operated, locked-breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the High-Power pistol is a perfect all rounder for any armed officer.

Sig MCX

The SIG MCX is a family of firearms designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer, produced in both selective fire and semi-automatic only models, and features a short-stroke gas piston system, which is inherited from the earlier SIG MPX submachine gun. This weapon is used in mid-long range combat and must only be used by SCO19.

G36

The police issued G(ewehr)36 is a lethal weapon within the metropolitan police, this is a primary defence weapon against suspects which are using lethal force. The G36 is a 5.56×45mm NATO, air-cooled, gas-operated, direct impingement, magazine-fed, select fire carbine which replaced the heavier counterpart 7.62mm G3 battle rifle. This weapon is used in mid-long range combat and must only be used by Gold Command.

TAR 21

The IWI Tavor TAR-21 is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO caliber with a selective fire system, selecting between semi-automatic mode and full automatic fire mode. The Tavor is designed and produced by Israel Weapon Industries. It is produced in two main variants: the TAR-21 and the CTAR-21.