Use of Force Programme

Sworn police officers are authorised to use force to protect life, property and to make arrests. With this authority comes the responsibility to prepare individual officers to properly exercise that authority. In situations where police officers are justified in using force the minimum force should be exercised. Any key policy adapted for use in the Pacific should reinforce the responsibility of individual police officers when using force. Further it should prescribe procedures for the reporting use of force by themselves or others. What the Secretariat has found in the work so far is that any generic policy that may be adopted for use in the Pacific must be first tailored to be consistent with legislation, United Nation conventions, code of conducts, Police enabling legislation and any Bill of Rights or constitutions in force in their country. It is not as simple as just adopting a generic policy. Once a Use of Force policy is adopted there must be ongoing training in the policy provided. This training will reinforce that when deciding to utilise force it is one of the most crucial decisions made by police, it is also a decision that can be irrevocable. It is a decision that must be made quickly and under stressful and often unique circumstances. It is not possible for a policy to replace judgement and discretion with detailed policy provisions. Police officers whose actions are consistent with the law and provisions of the Use or Force policy will be justified in using force. For more information on the scope of this project please contact Federal Agent Nicolle Haigh Phone +64 4 470 7327 or email nicolle.haigh@police.govt.nz