§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines he has issued in relation to the use of rigid handcuffs; and under what circumstances they permit police officers to use such handcuffs. [18990]
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§ Mr. MichaelA Home Office circular to chief police officers containing guidance about the use of handcuffs was withdrawn on 23 January 1997. This was replaced by guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) which reflects the provision in section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 that a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders. I am placing a copy of the ACPO guidance in the Library.