3.110.2 Use of Force Tools and Techniques

Question 1

Non-uniformed commissioned personnel the rank of lieutenant and below are required to carry at least one intermediate force option (baton, oleoresin capsicum [OC] spray, or electronic control device [ECD]) on their person when on-duty. All tools will be in working order and properly maintained. Supervisors have an ongoing obligation to inspect officer equipment and review with officers department _________________________ materials on the use of force.

Answer 1

Directives and training

Question 2

If feasible, before the use of any approved weapon, the officer will communicate with other officers in the area and issue a warning to the subject. Officers will give the subject a ___________________________. This is particularly important in preventing sympathetic fire when utilizing projectile weapons or the ECD.

Answer 2

Reasonable opportunity to comply

Question 3

Officers will not use a baton, ECD, or projectile weapon on a woman who is ________________________ unless the subject displays life-threatening resistance.

Answer 3

Believed to be pregnant

Question 4

______________ are not permitted. Officers will not use an arm bar across the throat or any technique that encircles the neck, including the Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint®(LVNR®). Any action that is likely to restrict the flow of air into a person’s lungs or blood into a person’s brain is prohibited (see NRS 289.810 and 193 Sections 4 and 5).

Answer 4

Chokeholds

Question 5

Officers will not use an ECD or projectile weapon when the subject is in an elevated position where a fall is likely to result in substantial bodily injury or death unless the subject displays _____________________. This is particularly important when utilizing the ECD.

Answer 5

Life threatening resistance

Question 6

Officers will not use physical force solely to stop a person from __________________ that is in their mouth or to retrieve evidence from a person’s mouth.

Answer 6

Swallowing a substance

Question 7

When a vicious dog (or other aggressive, unsecured animal) is encountered and the safety of officers or others is compromised, an officer should use a _________ (preferred tool) or may use OC spray or ECD to stop or ward off an attack as options other than deadly force (see LVMPD 3.330, Domestic Dog Encounters).

Answer 7

Catchpole

Question 8

Officers are to exercise care and caution in handling department-approved weapons. Officers will refrain from the unnecessary _____________________ of a weapon while in public; the purpose of drawing and manipulating a department-approved tool is to address a potential conflict or tactical situation at hand.

Answer 8

Drawing, handling, or exhibiting

Question 9

To effectively de-escalate situations, officers will use ________________________. The utilization of communication skills, such as speaking calmly and showing empathy, may diffuse conflict and reduce the need to use force. When possible, officers should attempt to develop a rapport and convey concern; however, there are times where an officer will need to announce clear, assertive, and professional commands to control the situation (see LVMPD 8.149, Interaction with the Public).

Answer 9

Advisements, warnings, and verbal persuasion

Question 10

Approved use for handcuffs - during investigative detentions (“Terry Stops,” see LVMPD 5.100, Search and Seizure) where one or more of the following factors are present and only for as long as the circumstances exist, not to exceed 60 minutes (per NRS 171.123):

Answer 10

1) Articulable facts that the subject is physically uncooperative
2) Articulable facts that a subject’s actions may present physical danger to themselves or others if not restrained
3) Reasonable possibility of flight based on the actions of the subject
4) Information that the subject is currently armed
5) The stop closely follows a violent crime, and the subject matches specific parts of a description
6) Articulable facts that a crime of violence is about to occur
b. Suicidal persons
c. During a search warrant service, as is reasonably necessary, to safely execute the warrant
d. Persons being transported to detoxification facilities
e. By officers moving in-custody subjects (see LVMPD 4.108, Transporting Prisoners)

Question 11

If medical circumstances make it unreasonable to handcuff an arrestee, officers will _________________. (Arrestees will be handcuffed behind the back, unless impractical or impossible due to prisoner obesity, handicap, or other reason. Special restraints will not be used unless approved by a supervisor.)

Answer 11

Refrain from handcuffing

Question 12

Proned handcuffed subjects will be immediately placed in a ___________ or ____________ position once safe to do so. Continued pressure applied by an officer’s body weight will not be used on a proned handcuffed subject’s back, neck, or head

Answer 12

Recovery or seated

Question 13

When responding to a security office where a subject has been placed in handcuffs prior to the officer’s arrival, the officer will not place LVMPD handcuffs on the subject until the officer has ___________________________________.

Answer 13

Reasonable suspicion or probable cause based on their independent investigation

Question 14

The use of instruments as a tool for the purpose of striking or jabbing (e.g., flashlights or radio) other than a department-authorized baton, is __________________.

Answer 14

Strongly discouraged

Question 15

Officers are discouraged from using their firearm as an impact tool due to the possibility of a ___________________.

Answer 15

Negligent discharge

Question 16

OC spray is a non-lethal agent which causes inflammation of the ____________________________.

Answer 16

Skin and mucus membranes

Question 17

OC spray will not be used on a handcuffed subject unless the subject is displaying ________________________.

Answer 17

Assaultive resistance

Question 18

OC spray _________________ be used on a driver of a vehicle or inside a patrol vehicle.

Answer 18

Should not

Question 19

OC spray is not intended to ______________ from an enclosed area unless utilized in a detention facility.

Answer 19

Force extraction

Question 20

Whenever possible, OC spray should be used upwind and relatively close to the subject in an effort to minimize exposure to non-targeted persons. Due to the volume of agent dispersed, officers will assess the effect a __________ (high-capacity OC spray) has on subjects in the vicinity.

Answer 20

Devastator

Question 21

In a protest or demonstration situation, OC spray may only be used when authorized by an _____________ in response to imminent threat of harm (see LVMPD 3.535, Protests:
Peaceful Demonstrations, Civil Disobedience, and Riots).

Answer 21

Incident commander

Question 22

A pain-compliance application of the ECD, with or without the use of a cartridge, by making direct contact against the subject’s body. The use of a Touch Stun application is discouraged unless used to complete neuro-muscular incapacitation by closing a circuit when probes have already been deployed.

Answer 22

Touch stun

Question 23

A non-contact demonstration of the ECD’s ability to discharge electricity.

Answer 23

Spark display

Question 24

The primary function of the ECD where the cartridge is deployed, firing probes at the subject. The intent is to temporarily immobilize the subject as the ECD is cycled and provide an officer with a “window of opportunity” in which to take the subject safely into custody.

Answer 24

Probe mode

Question 25

The ECD will be handled in the same manner as a firearm and will be secured before entering any detention facility except _________.

Answer 25

CCDC

Question 26

The intentional use of more than one ECD simultaneously on the same subject is _______________.

Answer 26

Prohibited

Question 27

The ECD will not be used: (4 answers)

Answer 27

1) On a handcuffed person.
2) When the officer knows a subject has come in contact with flammable liquids or substances.
3) On a fleeing subject (without other known factors). Mere flight from an officer cannot be the sole justification for use of the ECD.
4) On persons with known heart conditions.

Question 28

Officers will not draw what at the same time?

Answer 28

An ECD and a firearm

Question 29

When deploying an ECD, reasonable effort should be made to target the lower center mass and avoid intentionally targeting the head, neck, groin, and chest. ____________ are the preferred target area.

Answer 29

Back shots

Question 30

Use the standard ECD five second cycle, and then evaluate the need to apply another five second cycle after providing the subject with an opportunity to comply. Each subsequent five second cycle requires _____________________. Once the subject has been exposed to three cycles, the ECD will be _____________ and another use of force option will be considered unless exigent circumstances exist.

Begin restraint procedures, including cuffing under power, as soon as reasonably safe to minimize the total duration of ECD exposures.

Answer 30

Additional justification

Deemed ineffective

Question 31

K9 with bite approved use

Answer 31

Assaultive or Life-Threatening – canine (with bite) is approved when there is probable cause to believe a subject has committed a violent or felony crime, or is a threat to themselves or others, and is evading efforts to be taken into custody.

Question 32

During a critical incident, K9 handlers should make contact with the supervisor on scene, or the ________________ to discuss tactical deployment options.

Answer 32

Incident commander

Question 33

Since the use of patrol dogs may inflame a volatile situation, the department places limitations on their use for crowd control, civil disorders, or riot situations. In such an occurrence, the canine teams may be dispatched in a standby status. Any subsequent use of canine is only authorized by a _________ or higher for extreme emergencies.

Answer 33

Lieutenant

Question 34

The positioning of a police vehicle in the path of an occupied subject vehicle where contact between the vehicles is anticipated to be minimal, and the potential for injuries is low. The intent of blocking is to prevent an avenue of escape by the safe placement of a police vehicle. This is not a use of force.

Answer 34

Blocking

Question 35

A specific manner of intentional contact using a police vehicle against a fleeing vehicle during a pursuit to cause the fleeing vehicle to come to an abrupt stop, rendering it immobile.

Answer 35

Precision Intervention Technique (PIT)

Question 36

The utilization of a police vehicle to intentionally hit another vehicle.

Answer 36

Ramming

Question 37

A preplanned containment tactic restricted for use only by specialized units (not approved for Patrol Division). It employs extremely low-speed and intentional vehicle contact with a subject’s vehicle. The purpose is to prevent a vehicle pursuit and render a vehicle immobile.

Answer 37

Stationary vehicle immobilization technique (pinching)

Question 38

Blocking is a permitted tactic and _______ considered a use of force.

Answer 38

is not

Question 39

What level force is stationary vehicle immobilization technique?

Answer 39

Low level force

Question 40

What level of force is PIT at 40 mph or below?

Answer 40

Intermediate force

Question 41

What constitutes a deadly force PIT?

Answer 41

Speeds more than 40 mph
PIT on a motorcycle
When used on high center of gravity vehicles likely to roll over such as vans, SUV’s and Jeeps
Circumstances which create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury

Question 42

What level of force is ramming, regardless of speed?

Answer 42

Deadly force

Question 43

Deployment requirement for a PIT:

Answer 43

Prior to initiating a PIT, officers will use their emergency equipment and will give the operator of the subject vehicle a reasonable opportunity to stop.

Officers will advise Dispatch the intent to use a PIT if circumstances permit. Otherwise, notification will be made immediately after.

Question 44

Use of force with a vehicle approved use:

Answer 44

a. PIT – circumstances warranting the use of a PIT as deadly force:
1) Continued movement of the pursued vehicle would place others in danger of substantial bodily injury or death.
2) Other tactical options have been considered and rejected as impractical (e.g., continue to follow, stop sticks, or use of the Air Unit).

b. Stationary vehicle immobilization technique (pinching) is a preplanned tactic, only utilized by specialized units who have been trained.

c. Ramming – to be used when all other means of apprehension have been considered and rejected as impractical and an imminent threat of death or substantial bodily injury exists.

Question 45

Disapproved use of PIT

Answer 45

a. Officers driving department trucks or non-patrol SUV-type vehicles are not authorized to use a PIT (exception: Major Violator Section, Narcotics Section, and Viper Section trucks/mini- vans/SUVs).
b. On motorcycles

Question 46

Tactical considerations when using PIT, pinching, or ramming:

Answer 46

a. Environmental factors:
1) Areas with pedestrians
2) Other vehicle traffic
3) Parked vehicles
4) Telephone/utility poles
5) Bridges/overpasses
6) Areas adjacent to paved roads with a significant elevation change
7) Significant curves in the roadway
b. Subject factors:
1) Severity of the crime
2) Number of subjects
3) Subjects known to have access to firearms
4) Potential of the subject to use the vehicle as a weapon
5) Potential of creating a crossfire situation
6) Size/weight of the subject’s vehicle compared to the police vehicle

Question 47

Supervisor’s responsibility for PIT:

Answer 47

a. Immediately acknowledge the officer’s notification over the radio.

b. Order discontinuation of the PIT when the necessity for apprehension is outweighed by the dangers of the PIT.

Question 48

Vehicle use of force reporting requirements:

Any contact that causes damage or a collision between a department vehicle and another vehicle will also be reported as a traffic incident and documented on what?

Answer 48

Vehicle Incident Report (LVMPD 42)

Question 49

Use of the stationary vehicle immobilization (pinching) and ramming require a ____________________ report.

Answer 49

Use of force

Question 50

PIT (successful or attempts) require what reports?

Answer 50

Use of force report and a pursuit report

Question 51

LL shotgun intermediate force

Answer 51

7 yards or greater

Question 52

LL shotgun deadly force

Answer 52

Less than 7 yards

Question 53

40mm intermediate force

Answer 53

5 yards or greater

Question 54

40mm deadly force

Answer 54

Less than 5 yards

Question 55

Projectile weapon deployment requirement

Answer 55

When time permits, two officers will be present for the deployment of a projectile weapon; this is the most effective and best practice in utilizing a low lethality shotgun or 40mm specialty impact weapon. In exigent circumstances, a single officer can deploy and use a projectile weapon; however, the officer will apply sound tactics to mitigate risk and will maintain a readiness to transition to their firearm.

Question 56

Who should projectile weapons be used against?

Answer 56

Projectile weapons should only be used against persons who are armed, have access to a weapon, or pose an imminent threat to the safety of the officers or others. Examples of these circumstances are an edged weapon, club, pipe, bottle, or a brick.

Question 57

What is the target area for projectile weapons?

Answer 57

Officers are cautioned that the target area for impact munitions substantially differs from a deadly force target area. Instead of aiming for center mass, these weapons will be aimed at the abdomen and target the large muscle groups of the buttocks, thigh, and the knees of the subject. The head, neck, spine, pelvis, or any other vital area of the body should be avoided.

Question 58

Can a projectile weapon be used against a person holding a firearm?

Answer 58

Projectile weapons may be used against persons who are holding a firearm if it can be utilized to de-escalate and intervene with a potential deadly force situation; however, the following conditions must be met:

1) A minimum of two officers are present, one officer acting as lethal coverage.

2) Officers have considered the use of available cover/concealment.

Question 59

Can a projectile weapon be used in a civil unrest situation?

Answer 59

In a civil unrest situation unless authorized by an incident commander or above. Each
application must target a specific individual who presents an imminent threat, and it must be reasonably assured that other individuals in the crowd who pose no threat will not be struck by the munitions. Officers will not intentionally target the head, neck, spine, pelvis, or any other vital area of the body unless the person poses an immediate threat of physical harm or death to officers or others.

Question 60

Will a projectile weapon be used as a breaching tool?

Answer 60

No.

Question 61

Can a LL shotgun be used to fire through barriers?

Answer 61

Officers should not fire the low lethality shotgun through barriers (e.g., glass or chain link fences) because the bag may tear and pellets may be released.

Question 62

When are officers authorized to fire their firearms?

Answer 62

1) To protect themselves or others from what is reasonably believed to be an imminent threat of death or substantial bodily injury.

2) To prevent the escape of a fleeing felon who the officer has probable cause to believe has committed a violent felony crime and is an imminent threat to human life if escape should occur (NRS 171.1455).

Whenever feasible, officers will identify themselves and state their intention to shoot.
Example: “Police! Stop, or I’ll shoot!”

Question 63

Tactical considerations when utilizing a firearm:

Answer 63

1) Officers may determine which approved firearm is most appropriate based on distance, available cover, and the tactical situation presented. It is important for officers to understand terminal ballistic capabilities and limitations of the firearms to be deployed.

2) Officers should shoot at the center mass for maximum stopping effectiveness and minimal danger to bystanders. Accurate shot placement is imperative. Missing an intended target provides the most risk to citizens and officers and does not stop a deadly threat.

3) Officers should control and assess the number of rounds they are discharging in order to cease fire when the threat is no longer present.

4) Officers should be aware of the potential for sympathetic fire when a fellow officer discharges a firearm.

5) Flashlights mounted to firearms will not be used for routine searches in place of a hand-held flashlight.

Question 64

Officers will use sound tactics and will not place themselves into the path of a moving vehicle or remain standing in the path of a vehicle that is under control of a driver. An officer threatened by an oncoming vehicle will __________________________________.

Answer 64

make every effort to move out of the way

Question 65

Officers will not discharge their firearms at a moving vehicle, unless:

Answer 65

a. A person in the vehicle is an imminent deadly threat to officers or others by means other than the vehicle (such as an occupant firing a handgun at an officer).

b. The driver is using the vehicle as a weapon to inflict mass causalities (such as a truck driving through a crowd).

Question 66

Officers will not discharge their firearms from a moving vehicle unless ______________?

Answer 66

A person is an imminent deadly threat to officers or others.

Such a discharge must be limited to the most extreme circumstances.

Question 67

Unnecessary drawing or exhibiting a ________ may limit an officer’s alternatives in controlling a situation, create unnecessary anxiety on the part of citizens, and result in unwarranted or negligent discharge of the firearm.

Answer 67

Firearm

Question 68

When can officers humanely euthanize injured or dangerous animals?

Answer 68

1. Only after attempts have been made to request assistance from the agency responsible for the disposal of animals
2. If the animal’s owner is present and does not wish to transport the animal to the veterans clinic
3. When the animal is so badly injured as to require humane relief from further suffering

Question 69

When can a rifle be deployed?

Answer 69

1. There is a potential for deadly force or the subject is armed with a deadly weapon
2. Distance and use of cover are considerations due to the suspect’s location
3. The suspect is barricaded
4. The deployment has been pre-approved

Question 70

Do officers specifically assigned to directed rifle patrol have to complete a blue team?

Answer 70

No

Question 71

When multiple officers deploy rifles, the supervisor will designate _______________________ to complete the Rifle Deployment Report.

Answer 71

One deploying officer

All deploying officers will be listed in the report.

Question 72

The rifle deployment report will contain what information?

Answer 72

1. Details of the incident
2. Nature of the threat resulting in the decision to deploy a rifle
3. Number and locations of all rifle deployed officers in the incident