Use of Reasonable Force. An employee may, when necessary, use reasonable force in the performance of his/her duties in the interests of self-protection. An employee also may take reasonable action for the protection of others, and for the protection of District, student or employee property. Under such circumstances, an employee must exercise mature judgment and must act and react in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Use of Reasonable Force. An employee may use and apply such amount of force as is reasonable, lawful, and necessary to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others.
Use of Reasonable Force. An employee may use reasonable force as is necessary to protect himself/herself from attack.
Use of Reasonable Force. Pursuant to 18A:6-1, an employee may, within the scope of his employment, use and apply such amount of force as is reasonable and necessary; 1. To quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others; 2. To obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person or within control of a pupil; 3. For the purpose of self-defense; 4. For the protection of persons or property and such acts shall not be construed to constitute corporal punishment within the meaning and intent of the law.
Use of Reasonable Force. An employee may, within the scope of his/her employment, use and apply such amount of physical force as is reasonable, necessary and lawful to maintain discipline and control.
Use of Reasonable Force. If, in the course of employment, the employee is assaulted or encounters a threatening situation involving either an assault upon a student or damage to school property, the employee may use such amount of force as is permitted by law and is reasonable and necessary in the circumstance, for the purpose of self defense, and for the protection of person and property.
Use of Reasonable Force. An employee may, within the scope of his/her employment and pursuant to school district policies, administrative regulations, and directives using no more force than is reasonable and necessary, take appropriate action in self-defense, or to protect students who are under the supervision of school employees, or to protect school district property. This paragraph shall not be construed as to condone any action which is in any respect not lawful.
Use of Reasonable Force. Any person employed or engaged in a school or educational institution may, within the scope of his employment, use and apply such amounts of force as are reasonable and necessary: (1) to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others; (2) to obtain weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person or within the control of a pupil; (3) for the purpose of self-defense; and (4) for the protection of persons or property.
Use of Reasonable Force. There may be some circumstances where staff may have to use reasonable force and the lawful use of this power will provide a defence to any related prosecution or other legal action. ‘Reasonable’ means using no more force than is needed. The decision on whether or not to physically intervene is always down to the professional judgement of the member of staff concerned and should always depend on individual circumstances. In school, force may be used for two main purposes: • To control students • To restrain students This can range from guiding a student to safety by the arm through to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a student needs to be restrained to prevent violence or injury. Control means either passive, physical contact, such as standing between students or blocking a student’s path, or active physical contact such as leading a student by the arm out of the classroom. Restraint means to hold back physically or to bring a student under control. It is typically used in more extreme circumstances, for example when students are fighting and refuse to separate without physical intervention. Members of staff have the power to use reasonable force to prevent students from: • Committing an offence • Injuring themselves or others • Damaging property and to maintain good order and discipline in the classroom When using reasonable force, schools must consider the age and needs of students. This includes the individual needs or learning difficulties of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and making reasonable adjustments that may be required where a student has a disability. Staff members using reasonable force must adhere to guidance in the Department for Education document, Advice for headteachers, staff and governing bodies: ‘Use of reasonable Force 2013’ (Appendix 8).
Use of Reasonable Force. If within the scope of an assignment the safety of a professional employee or student is threatened by a real and present danger, a professional employee may use reasonable force as necessary to protect himself and/or a pupil from attack, to protect another professional employee or property, or to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous object. Professional employees shall immediately report incidents of this nature to their immediate supervisor.
