Division The Principle of Proportionality

Whenever the lawful use of force or firearms is unavoidable, statutory staff deployed as members of the teams shall act in proportion to the seriousness of the situation and the legitimate objective to be achieved. During operational activities, the proportionality principle shall guide both the nature of the force used (e.g. the need for the use of weapons) as well as the extent of the force applied. Statutory staff deployed as members of the teams shall not use more force than is absolutely necessary to achieve the legitimate law enforcement objective. If a firearm is used, statutory staff deployed as members of the teams shall ensure that such use causes the least possible injury and minimises injury and damage to the greatest possible extent. Where the measures lead to an unacceptable result, statutory staff deployed as members of the teams may waive the measure. The principle of proportionality requires the Agency to provide equipment and self-defensive tools to statutory staff deployed as members of the teams which are necessary to enable the appropriate level of force to be applied.