Use of force

Our officers face difficult situations every day.

A thankfully small percentage of these situations will result in officers having to use force, be it to protect the public, maintain order or keep themselves from harm.

They are extensively trained to use this force proportionately, lawfully and only when it is absolutely necessary.

Use of force performance information
When force has been used against a person, our officers are required to record it.

This ensures that we are held to account, that any trends are identified and any training, equipment or officer safety issues can be understood. All of this ensures that our use of force is fit for purpose.

This information includes any form of restraint, handcuffing, use of a Taser or irritant spray.

When using force, officers are governed by this legislation:

• Section 117 PACE 1984 (when an arrest is made force may be used)
• Human Rights Act 1998 (force must always be proportionate, legal, officers are accountable and it must have been necessary)
• Criminal Law Act 1967, Section 3 (officers may use reasonable force in the circumstances to prevent crime)
• Common Law (an officer may use force to protect themselves or another)

Find out more about use of force on the College of Policing website.

How will Leicestershire Police use the data?

This data will give us a wealth of information that will help us to compare the effectiveness of different techniques enabling more informed, evidence-based decisions about training, tactics and equipment that officers may need.