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Keeping people in Kent safe often means police officers intervening in dangerous or complex situations. It also means, on occasion, using force to protect the public at the scene of an incident, a police officer making an arrest, or the person being arrested.
We are committed to being an open and transparent force. We publish our use of force data to provide an insight into what being a police officer involves and the challenges that our officers face. Most incidents are resolved safely and without conflict, however a small number result in our officers needing to use force, to diffuse a situation to protect the public, maintain order or where an officer needs to protect themselves from harm.
Our officers are trained to use force proportionately, lawfully, and only when necessary.
When force has been used against someone, our officers are required to record it. This ensures that:
Officer’s use of force can be as simple as taking hold of someone’s arm. Other tactics include any form of restraint such as using a baton or handcuffing, or the use of TASER, dogs, or irritant spray (PAVA).
Independent Policing Powers Panel
The Independent Policing Powers Panel meet every three months to ensure fairness to everyone where use of force has been used.
The meetings are Chaired by the Independent Advisory Group and the Assistant Chief Constable who is the strategic lead. Representatives from the Staff Safety Training Unit and Professional Standards Department also attend. On occasions, officers from the relevant department attend to use their local knowledge to scrutinise a selection of use of force forms.
The panel look at how we can improve performance in:
Performance data for use of force is available for the Panel to view and ask questions about. The Panel will provide feedback, highlighting any areas of concern or good practice which improves both individual officer and organisational learning.
If you require any further information about our use of force data then please request information about the police.