Member

However, I have been clear from the outset that the DWP’s policy position was never that a DWP authorised investigator should be able to use reasonable force against a person. Instead, the aim was to allow them to gain access to property, such as locked filing cabinets or cupboards, when on premises to search for and seize critical evidence. Where force against a person might be needed, the intention has always been to rely on the likes of the police. I stand by the position that the best way to provide for the DWP to have powers of reasonable force is to remain within the umbrella of PACE, to safeguard consistency. There is clear precedent for that; other Government Departments draw on the same powers of reasonable force.