Under PACE 1984, which statement is true regarding the use of reasonable force?

Under PACE 1984, which statement is true regarding the use of reasonable force?

• A. A power may be used only with the consent of the victim
• B. A power may be used only with the consent of a person present
• C. A power may be exercised even if not conferred
• D. The officer may use reasonable force if necessary in the exercise of the power

Answer: (D)

Reasonable force is allowed as part of exercising a police power, but it must be necessary and proportionate to achieve the lawful objective. The power itself is what authorizes the action, not the consent of the victim or bystanders. You don’t need someone’s consent to use a power, and you can’t exercise a power that isn’t conferred by law. In practice, this means an officer may use reasonable force only when it is necessary to carry out the power they are empowered to use, and the force used should be no more than is needed to achieve that objective.

Reasonable force is allowed as part of exercising a police power, but it must be necessary and proportionate to achieve the lawful objective. The power itself is what authorizes the action, not the consent of the victim or bystanders. You don’t need someone’s consent to use a power, and you can’t exercise a power that isn’t conferred by law. In practice, this means an officer may use reasonable force only when it is necessary to carry out the power they are empowered to use, and the force used should be no more than is needed to achieve that objective.