Use of force.
Reasonable force under PACE section 117, the Criminal Law Act 1967 and self-defence, including householder cases.
3 powers · the conditions, who can use them and the safeguards
Quick reference
| Power | Legislation | Who can use it | What it allows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasonable force in self-defence and householder cases | Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, s.76 | Any person (including a constable) | Lets any person use reasonable force to defend themselves or another, protect property, prevent crime or make a lawful arrest, judged on the facts as they honestly believed them, with a wider margin for householders facing intruders. |
| Reasonable force when exercising PACE powers | Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.117 | A constable | Lets a constable use reasonable force, if necessary, when exercising any power PACE gives them, unless that power needs the consent of someone other than a police officer. |
| Use of force to prevent crime or make an arrest | Criminal Law Act 1967, s.3 | Any person | Lets anyone, officer or member of the public, use force that is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent crime or to make or help with a lawful arrest. |
Tap a power for the numbered conditions, the safeguards and the key definitions.