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HRC's Statement on the Use of a Taser on an Individual by the RCIPS

The Human Rights Commission has seen footage being circulated on social media which captures an incident in which member of the RCIPS uses a taser on an individual.

The Commission has been asked in general terms about the Human Rights aspects of the use of force by police officers. The use of force by RCIPS officers is dealt with under sections 2 and 5 of the Bill of Rights in our Constitution.

Section 2 deals with the Right to Life. It provides that, where a person dies, the Constitution will not be contravened by a person lawfully using:

such force as is absolutely necessary –

(a) for the defence of any person from violence;

(b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained;

(c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny;

Section 5 deals with Personal Liberty. It provides that a person may be deprived of their liberty, in accordance with the law:

(e) on reasonable suspicion that he or she has committed, is committing or is about to commit a criminal offence under any law

Click to view   other information of the  HRC's Statement on the Use of a Taser on an Individual by the RCIPS.