Police authority to use force

Orders are the lowest level of force and the most commonly used “tool”. The public is obliged to follow the orders of the police.

Measures that police can use, for example, during arrests, searches, or the transportation of people who have been arrested.

Shackles are a generic term for a device used to restrain people.

Handcuffs

Police are authorised to use handcuffs to:

• prevent people from escaping,

• ensure the safety of an individual, for example if it is considered likely that an individual will try to harm themselves or others,

• secure dangerous objects or evidence. For example, if a search has not been conducted and the individual may be armed or may be hiding evidence.

Other restraints

The same rules apply to the use of truncheons, or plastic bands.

Police are authorised to use leg irons when absolutely necessary and for safety purposes when transporting people.

Using police dogs refers to the use of specially trained dogs in applying force against people. The police are authorized to train dogs to assist in the use of force. Currently, no such dogs are being used in police work.

Police are authorized to use batons, aerosol weapons, or electroshock weapons to achieve a legitimate objective when:

• milder methods are not effective

• if a police officer believes that the use of the weapons can prevent further danger to himself or others.

Police officers must use the weapons in a way that does not cause more harm than necessary.

Batons

Police may use a baton to achieve a legitimate objective in the following circumstances:

• To prevent an attack on a police officer or a third party

• To arrest a dangerous person who has committed an crime

• When someone tries to prevent an arrest or tries to free an arrested person

• When someone tries to obstruct the police in their work

• To enforce compliance with an order that is not being followed, if it is necessary for the order to be executed immediately.

If possible and circumstances permit, a warning shall be given that a weapon will be used.

A baton should be used in a way that does not cause more harm than necessary. For example, police should try to aim for the limbs but avoid hitting joints.

Aerosol Weapons

Aerosol weapons are intended to subdue individuals at close range. The weapons are aerosol cans containing tear gas. Tear gas temporarily impairs a individual's vision.

Police are only authorized to use aerosol weapons when milder methods are insufficient to achieve a legitimate objective. The conditions for using aerosol weapons are the same as for using batons.

Electroshock weapon

Police are authorized to use an electroshock weapon if they determine that milder measures will not be enough to subdue an individual. Electroshock weapons have a temporary effect on the voluntary part of the muscular system.

The conditions for using electroshock weapons are the same as for using aerosol weapons and batons. Electroshock weapons have a significantly longer range than aerosol weapons and batons.

A special committee under the Ministry of Justice reviews each instance in which an electroshock weapon is used.

In general, the police in Iceland do not carry firearms. The highest-ranking police officer in each location may give orders to arm themselves in an emergency if it is considered that the task at hand requires it.

Police may only use a firearm against an individual when other means are not available or have been fully tested and/or there is an urgent need for the purpose of:

• A police officer defending himself against a life-threatening attack on himself or a third party.

• Subdue and arrest criminals who are considered dangerous to the lives of people or the security of the state.

• Prevent serious violence against people or significant damage to socially important interests or institutions, their operations or activities.