Use of Force

Question 1

What is PLAN?

Answer 1

P - Proportionate
L - Lawful
A - Accountable
N - Necessary

Question 2

What is the ‘Five Step Appeal’?

Answer 2

1) Simple appeal (ASK)
2) Reasoned appeal (Tell them WHY)
3) Personal appeal (Options)
4) Final appeal (Confirm) “IS THERE ANYTHING IN WHICH I CAN REASONABLY SAY OR DO TO MAKE YOU CO-OPERATE WITH ME”
5) Action (Act)

Question 3

What is LEAPS?

Answer 3

L - Listen
E - Empathise
A - Ask
P - Paraphrase
S - Summarise

Question 4

What are the four types of legislation for use of force?

Answer 4

1) Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967
2) Common Law
3) Section 117 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
4) Article 2 Human Rights Act 1998

Question 5

What is the definition for use of force under Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act?

Answer 5

A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of persons unlawfully at large.

Question 6

What is the definition for use of force under Section 117 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act?

Answer 6

Section 117 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides that a constable can use reasonable force in the exercise of any power under this Act.

Question 7

What is the definition for use of force under Article 2 of the Human Rights Act?

Answer 7

Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law. No one shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in the execution of a sentence of a court following his conviction of a crime for which this penalty is provided by law.

Deprivation of life shall not be regarded as inflicted in contravention of this Article when it results from the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary

Question 8

What are the different types of resistance?

Answer 8

Compliance - The person offers no resistance and complies with requests. It is important that officers understand that this could change rapidly

Verbal resistance and gestures - The person refuses to comply either verbally or, by their body language, non-verbally

Passive resistance - The person stands/sits/lies still and will not move

Active resistance - The person pulls away or pushes the officer but makes no attempt to strike them

Aggressive resistance - The person physically attacks the officer

Serious or aggravated resistance - The person commits an assault which presents the possibility of serious injury or death. This includes the use of weapons