34BAuthorised use of force

34B Authorised use of force

[Section 34B Inserted by No. 37 of 2013, s. 14, Applied:01 May 2014]

(1)  A correctional officer may use force that is necessary and reasonable for this Act, including for any of the following:

(a) to compel compliance with a direction given in relation to a prisoner or detainee by the Director;

(ab) [Section 34B Subsection (1) amended by No. 52 of 2016, s. 16, Applied:01 Dec 2017] to carry out, in relation to a prisoner or detainee, a search or examination, or search and examination, pursuant to an order of the Director given under section 22 ;

(b) to act under section 28 ;

(c) to prevent or stop the commission of an offence or disciplinary breach;

(d) to prevent the escape of a prisoner or detainee;

(e) to prevent unlawful damage, destruction or interference with property;

(f) to defend the correctional officer or someone else;

(g) to prevent a prisoner or detainee from inflicting self-harm;

(h) any other thing prescribed by the regulations.

(2)  However, a correctional officer may use force only if the correctional officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that the purpose for which force may be used cannot be achieved in another way.