Officials who commit abuses of these rules shall not be excused on the grounds that
they were following superior orders.86
Permissible circumstances for the use of firearms
Firearms are to be used only in extreme circumstances.87
Firearms are to be used only in self-defence or in defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury. 88
-orTo prevent a particularly serious crime that involves a grave threat to life.89
-orTo arrest or prevent the escape of a person posing such a threat and who is resisting
efforts to stop the threat.90
-andIn every case, only when less extreme measures are insufficient.91
Intentional lethal use of force and firearms shall be permitted only when strictly
unavoidable in order to protect human life.92
Procedures for the use of firearms
The officer is to identify himself/herself as a police official.93
-andThe officer is to give a clear warning.94
-andThe officer is to allow adequate time for the warning to be obeyed.95
-butThis shall not be required if the delay would result in death or serious injury to the
officer or others.96
-orIt is clearly pointless or inappropriate in the circumstances to do so.97
After the use of firearms
Medical aid is to be rendered to all injured persons.98
The relatives or friends of those affected are to be notified.99
Investigations are to be conducted where requested or required.100
A full and detailed report of the incident is to be provided.101
086
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 26.
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 4.
088
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 9.
089
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 9.
090
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 9.
091
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 9.
092
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 9.
093
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 10.
094
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 10.
095
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 10.
096
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 10.
097
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 10.
098
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 5(c).
099
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 5(d).
100
Principles on Force and Firearms, principles 6, 11(f), 22 and 23.
101
Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 22.
087
95
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