How much force can a NSW police officer use?

A 16-year-old boy has been shot in the leg following a confrontation with police in NSW's Central West.

Officers from Central West Police District were in pursuit of a Ute, which had been reported as stolen.

The Ute stopped at Daroobalgie Road, Forbes, shortly after 3am, with the driver fleeing the vehicle.

The driver was then pursued by police on foot.

It is alleged that a second vehicle then drove at officers, which led to them firing their guns.

As a result, a 16-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to his left calf.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in a stable condition.

Two other teens - aged 16 - were arrested at the scene and taken to Parkes Police Station.