Latest changes – use of force, firearms and less lethal weapons

• Addition of new heading 'Command authorisation to use force'.
• 'Access to decisive information' moved below new heading 'Command authorisation to use force'.
• Addition of new heading 'Rifle-initiated entry to save life' and associated new content.
• Amendment to replace the term 'imminent' with 'real and immediate' in the existing section, 'Influencing factors'.

Updated content

Replaced 2013 Home Office Code of Practice with new College 2020 Code of Practice on Armed Policing and Police use of Less Lethal Weapons.

Correct link added to pdf of ‘Home Office (2003) Code of Practice on the Police use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons.

Removed incorrect link to Home Office (2003) Code of Practice on the Police use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons.

Changes to include explanation around critical and conventional shots; terminology change – direction replaced by tasking.