A police officer should provide medical assistance immediately if he injures anybody as a result of using excessive force while maintaining law and order.
This is according to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority(IPOA).
"When the use of force results in injuries the police officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately and unless there are good reasons, failing to do so is a criminal offence," IPOA stated on its X platform on Thursday.
"Failing to do so shall be a criminal offence; and shall notify relatives or close friends of the injured or affected persons.
The agency further directs that any serious injuries on a person by police during the exercise of their mandate must be reported forthwith to the relevant authorities and close family members of the victim.
"Any use of force that leads to death, serious injury and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately by the officer in charge or another direct superior of the person who caused the death or injury, to IPOA who shall investigate the case," IPOA statement reads.
"A police officer who makes a report to the Independent Police Oversight Authority shall secure the scene of the act for purposes of investigations; and notify the next of kin, their relative or friend of the death or injury as soon as reasonably practical."
According to the NPS Act and service standing orders, a police officer should always attempt to use non-violent means first.
In addition, IPOA directs that the force used should be proportional to the objective to be achieved, the seriousness of the offence, and the resistance of the person against whom it is used.
