Which body must authorize the use of force?

• A. NPCC
• B. IOPC - use must be authorised
• C. Legitimate use of force
• D. Scooter and moped crime

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that authorising the use of force sits with the officer in command on scene, acting as the authorising officer under the force’s Use of Force Policy and the law. Force can only be used if it’s necessary and proportionate, and the decision to deploy force is made by the supervisor overseeing the operation, who must ensure policy, training, and legal limits are followed.

National guidance on how and when force may be used comes from bodies like the NPCC, which sets standards and frameworks that forces follow. The IOPC, by contrast, investigates police conduct after incidents rather than authorising actions in the moment. “Legitimate use of force” describes when force is legally and properly used, not who authorises it. Scooter and moped crime is unrelated to the authority to use force.

So, the crucial concept to remember is that on-scene authorization rests with the supervising officer in command, guided by the force’s policy and national guidance, with the other options addressing different roles or concepts.