Law

Here you will find lots of information relating to English law, legislation and guidance in relation to the lawful use of force for self-defence, the carriage and use of handcuffs, physical restraint and physical intervention.

Putting Your Keys Between Your Fingers for Self-Defence

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I was recently tagged into a post on Facebook where I was asked for my opinion on a blog post entitled ‘Don’t Put Your Keys Between Your Fingers for Self-Defense’, which you can read here if you wish to – ‘Don’t Put Your Keys Between Your Fingers for Self-Defense‘. The first thing I would say about the post that I … Read more

Is A Kubotan An Offensive Weapon?

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Some time ago I received the following communication from someone who took a kubotan off a member of staff who was carrying a kubotan. “I was working with a newly qualified DS on an event, only had his badge 3 months and he was on his training course and was actively taught how to use a kubotan by his instructor … Read more

A Lawyer’s Opinion On Handcuffs [Video]

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Eric Baskind, a highly qualified and competent lawyer of many years standing, has confirmed that any person in the UK can carry and use handcuffs and provided their application was ‘reasonable in the circumstances’ they would be viewed as a ‘use of force’ option, no different than physically restraining someone by manual effort.

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Can School Teachers Refuse To Restrain Children?

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Can School Teachers Refuse To Restrain Children? Can school teachers refuse to restrain children? Let me re-frame the question. If a child or a fellow teacher was seriously injured or died because a teacher made the disastrous mistake of not intervening when they should have done, can you imagine the catastrophic series of events that would follow? The school and … Read more

Using Force To Maintain Good Order and Discipline

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Using Force To Maintain Good Order and Discipline In the past, I’ve spoken about the use of restrictive techniques that may cause (either intentionally or unintentionally) some discomfort, harm or pain. I’ve mentioned that these techniques are not illegal, provided that they are used reasonably to prevent a greater harm, where no lesser use of force option would be an … Read more

Eric Baskind – Are ‘Safe Systems’ of Restraint Really ‘Safe’?

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Eric Baskind – Are ‘Safe Systems’ of Restraint Really ‘Safe’? At our Conference on 26 September, Eric Baskind will be talking about the proposed new laws and accreditation schemes for physical intervention. The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Bill He will be looking at the pros and cons of the new proposed Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Bill … Read more