Corrections Act 1997

A correctional officer may use force that is necessary and reasonable for this Act, including for any of the following:to compel compliance with a direction given in relation to a prisoner or detainee by the Director; to carry out, in relation to a prisoner or detainee, a search or examination, or search and examination, pursuant to an order of the Director given under section 22; to act under section 28; to prevent or stop the commission of an offence or disciplinary breach; to prevent the escape of a prisoner or detainee; to prevent unlawful damage, destruction or interference with property; to defend the correctional officer or someone else; to prevent a prisoner or detainee from inflicting self-harm; any other thing prescribed by the regulations.

However, a correctional officer may use force only if the correctional officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that the purpose for which force may be used cannot be achieved in another way.