Northern Territory Numbered Acts Northern Territory Numbered Acts(1) The superintendent of a detention centre must maintain discipline at the detention centre.
(2) For subsection (1), the superintendent may use the force that is reasonably necessary in the circumstances.
(3) Reasonably necessary force does not include –
(a) striking, shaking or other form of physical violence; or
(b) enforced dosing with a medicine, drug or other substance; or
(c) compulsion to remain in a constrained or fatiguing position; or
(d) handcuffing or use of similar devices to restrain normal movement.
(4) However, if the superintendent is of the opinion that –
(a) an emergency situation exists; and
(b) a detainee should be temporarily restrained to protect the detainee from self-harm or to protect the safety of another person,
the superintendent may use handcuffs or a similar device to restrain the detainee until the superintendent is satisfied the emergency situation no longer exists.
(5) If the superintendent is of the opinion that a detainee should be isolated from other detainees –
(a) to protect the safety of another person; or
(b) for the good order or security of the detention centre,
the superintendent may isolate the detainee for a period not exceeding 24 hours or, with the approval of the Director, not exceeding 72 hours.