Paragraph 5.2 Article 5 Detained Persons

In their dealings with detained persons, police officers shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent methods before resorting to any use of force. Where force is required, such use of force shall be the minimum required in the circumstances and shall be lawful, proportionate and necessary for the maintenance of security and order, to prevent escape, injury, damage to property or the destruction of evidence, or where the detained person resists the taking of items or samples for criminal justice purposes as authorised by law.

(Sourced from: Articles 5 and 8 European Convention on Human Rights; Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 and its Codes of Practice C-E.)