Laws and powers for reasonable force in situations.

• Section 3, Criminal Law Act 1967
• Section 117, Police And Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• Article 2, European Convention on Human Rights
• Section 9, Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, United Nations.

It is under these powers that members of the police take actions for the preservation of life and to stop violent criminals that seek to harm members of the public or officers.

Hostage Situations

Any situation involving a hostage - The safety of the hostage is a priority but it is balanced with the need to safeguard yourself and the general public.

• If they have firearms, never present yourself in the line of fire or danger, always negotiate from hard cover.
• If they have blades or other offensive weapons - Stay at safe distance from the door, to avoid being rushed easily.
• They cannot demand that officers holster weapons / tasers or do anything that may put themselves or the hostage at risk of harm.
• If they take an officer hostage for the purposes of releasing a prisoner - that is a city rule break so AFOs may employ lethal options against the suspects sooner.