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The law allows the police to use reasonable force when necessary in order to carry out their role of law enforcement.
While we always look to utilise other operational means where we can, use of force remains an important tactic for our officers when dealing with more difficult suspects.
In England and Wales the use of (reasonable) force is provided to police and any other person under Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, which states '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'.
Persons serving with the police may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances for the purpose of:
Make a complaint to South Yorkshire Police about use of force.
A use of force incident is defined by government as a situation in which a police officer uses any of the following force tactics on a single individual:
Restraint tactics:
This includes distraction strikes with hands and feet and pressure point and joint locks to help restrain individuals.
Use of other equipment:
Less lethal weapons:
Firearms:
Other:
Use of force data is collected on a national basis by all police forces as required by the National Police Chiefs Council. South Yorkshire Police are recording all instances of force, ranging from the compliant use of handcuffs through to the use of taser and firearms.
The recording of the use of force will enable us to understand fully how often tactics are used and to ensure all use is proportionate and necessary in the circumstances to ensure we command the confidence of our communities.
Use of force data: April to June 2024
Use of force data: January to March 2024
As part of our Use of Force policy within the force, we wish to remain as transparent as possible regarding how our officers deploy Use of Force tactics while dealing with difficult situations.
This year, South Yorkshire Police opened up a new scrutiny panel to help us improve and shape our Use of Force powers, and asked members of the public to get involved.
Panel members look through examples of incidents which included a Use of Force tactic being implemented, and why and how these powers were used.
If you would like to join the Use of Force panel, please fill in our application form.
More information about use of force is available on the links below: