How much force can the police in the UK use on someone?
A UK police officer may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances to: effect a lawful arrest (including detaining the suspect) defend him/herself in the lawful execution of police duties defend another from harm prevent significant damage to property conduct a lawful search of persons, vehicles and premises Reasonable force may include all those you describe above, but they must be proportional to the circumstances. Most powers of arrest are specific to arrestable offences and matters of public safety and security, so the force required to execute the arrest is warranted. For example, littering does not attract a power of arrest, but if a person reported for littering refuses to give their name and address they may be arrested to face a court according to UK law. If, in executing the arrest the suspect resists in such a way that the officer is in danger or risk of injury, then a punch to the face, or a push against a wall may be the only way to get the job done. Tactical res
