CAP. 84 National Police Service [Rev. 2012] SIXTH SCHEDULE [Sections 61(2).] A – CONDITIONS AS TO THE USE OF FORCE 1. A police officer shall always attempt to use non-violent means first and force may only be employed when non-violent means are ineffective or without any promise of achieving the intended result. 2. The force used shall be proportional to the objective to be achieved, the seriousness of the offence, and the resistance of the person against whom it is used, and only to the extent necessary while adhering to the provisions of the law and the Standing Orders. 3. When the use of force results in injuries— (a) the police officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately and unless there are good reasons, failing to do so shall be a criminal offence; and (b) shall notify relatives or close friends of the injured or affected persons. 4. A police officer who uses any form of force shall immediately, report to the officers’ superior explaining the circumstances that necessited the use of force and the supervisor shall judge the rightfulness and decide on the next step, subject to these regulations. 5. Any use of force that leads to death, serious injury and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately by the officer in charge or another direct superior of the person who caused the death or injury, to the Independent Police Oversight Authority who shall investigate the case. 6. The Inspector-General shall not be precluded by virtue of paragraph (5) from conducting investigations into the matter. 7. A police officer who makes a report to the Independent Police Oversight Authority in accordance with paragraph (5) shall— (a) secure the scene of the act for purposes of investigations; and (b) notify the next of kin, their relative or friend of the death or injury as soon as reasonably practical. 8. It shall be a disciplinary offence for a police officer to fail to report in accordance with these regulations. 9. An officer shall not tamper or otherwise damage any evidence from the scene of the act. 10. A Police officer in uniform shall at all times affix a nametag or identifiable Service number in a clearly visible part of the uniform 11. Following the orders of a superior is no excuse for unlawful use of force. [Issue 1] N18 - 62