Use of Force Policy

Purpose. This policy sets the conditions under which Ridgeway staff will use force on a person in custody and the reporting and review that must follow every use of force.

1.Purpose and scope

This policy applies to every employee, contractor and visiting professional at Ridgeway Correctional Centre and the Maitland Community Corrections office. It covers physical restraint, the use of chemical agents, mechanical restraints and any other application of force against a person in custody. It must be read with the Incident Response and Reporting Procedure and the state guidelines on the management of prisoners.

2.Principles

Force will only be used when it is necessary, when no reasonable alternative is available, and only to the extent required to achieve a lawful purpose. Staff must attempt de-escalation, negotiation and verbal direction before any physical intervention unless an immediate risk to life prevents it. Force must stop as soon as the objective is achieved.

• Necessary
• Proportionate
• Reasonable in the circumstances
• Lawful purpose only
• Never as punishment

3.Authorised techniques and equipment

Only officers holding current accreditation in Ridgeway defensive tactics will apply restraint techniques. Chemical agents and mechanical restraints must only be used by accredited officers and, except in an emergency, only with the approval of the Senior Officer in charge of the shift. Officers must not use any technique, weapon or item that is not listed in the accreditation matrix.

4.Responsibilities

The General Manager is accountable for this policy and will review every use of force within five working days. The Senior Officer on shift will secure the scene, ensure medical assessment is offered and see that every officer involved submits a report before finishing shift. Officers must report every use of force honestly and in full, including force used by colleagues.

• General Manager: policy owner and reviewer
• Security and Intelligence Manager: preserves CCTV and body-worn footage
• WHS and Wellbeing Manager: arranges medical and welfare follow up
• Every officer: reports before end of shift

5.Reporting and review

Every use of force must be recorded in the Incident and Use of Force Register within two hours and supported by a written Incident Report Form from each officer involved. Footage must be preserved for the review period. The review will decide whether the force was necessary and proportionate, identify training needs and refer any concern to the contract manager and the Inspector of Custodial Services where required.

6.Welfare after force

Any person subjected to force must be offered a medical assessment by the visiting health provider as soon as practicable and no later than one hour after the incident. Staff involved will be offered a debrief and peer support. The person in custody must be told how to make a complaint.