600-17 Use of Force

Question 1

The Houston Police Department places the highest value on the _____. The department recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone. The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern both to the public and to the law enforcement community.

Officers are involved on a daily basis in numerous and varied encounters; when warranted, officers may exercise control over another in carrying out their duties. Vesting officers with the authority to use lawful and objectively reasonable force to protect the public welfare requires a careful balancing of all public interests.

Officers are authorized by law to use force to ______.

Officers shall only use force for a lawful purpose and not to punish or retaliate against any person. Officers shall use only the…

Answer 1

1) sanctity of life for both its employees and members of the community

2) protect themselves or others, to effect an arrest, to bring an incident under control, or to maintain custody of those arrested

3) amount of objectively reasonable force necessary to successfully achieve the authorized purpose, even if under the circumstances the law would allow the use of greater force.

Question 2

Use of force must be _____. An officer’s decision to use force requires careful attention to the facts and circumstances of each particular case, including the severity of the crime at issue, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight. Officers may only use a level of force that they reasonably believe is _____. It is the duty of all officers to constantly assess the situation, adjust their use of force accordingly, and intervene if witnessing another officer use excessive force.

Whenever practical, officers shall use de-escalation techniques to _____ and to seek to avoid or minimize use of physical force. When safe and feasible, officers shall attempt to slow down or stabilize the situation so that more time, options, and resources are available.

Answer 2

1) objectively reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances

2) proportional to the seriousness of the suspected offense and the reasonably perceived level of actual or threatened resistance

3) gain voluntary compliance

Question 3

_____ are key elements to reduce the risks associated with scene management, de-escalation, and use of force.

Answer 3

Time, distance, numbers, cover, and concealment

Question 4

Bodily Injury.

Answer 4

An injury causing physical pain, illness, or any impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

Question 5

Chokehold.

Answer 5

A neck restraint that includes any pressure to the throat or windpipe, which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air.

Question 6

Deadly Force.

Answer 6

Force intended or known to cause or in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

Question 7

De-escalation.

Answer 7

Using techniques to stabilize the situation and reduce the immediacy of the threat, so that more options and resources are available to bring about a successful resolution to an encounter with a non-compliant individual. The goal of de-escalation is to gain the voluntary compliance of individuals, when feasible, thereby eliminating the need to use force in response to resistance.

Question 8

De-escalation Techniques.

Answer 8

Techniques intended to reduce the likelihood of a situation where the use of force is necessary, including but not limited to:

a. Reducing exposure to a potential threat using time, distance, numbers, cover, and/or concealment.

b. Containing a threat and establishing communication from a safe position intended to gain the individual’s compliance, using verbal persuasion, advisements, and/or warnings.

c. Calling additional resources to assist, including more officers, a supervisor, crisis intervention trained (CIT) officers, and/or officers equipped with less-lethal tools.

d. Requesting a Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) unit.

Question 9

Force.

Answer 9

Pointing a firearm , conducted energy device (CED), soft-impact weapon, or 40mm
launcher at a person, or any physical contact with a person by an officer using the body or any object, device, or weapon, excluding unresisted escorting or handcuffing.

Question 10

Intermediate Weapons.

Answer 10

Tools not fundamentally designed to cause deadly force with conventional use. Intermediate weapons include:

a. Batons.
b. Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.
c. Soft-impact weapons (e.g., beanbag shotgun).
d. Conducted energy devices (CED).
e. 40mm launchers.

Question 11

Objectively Reasonable.

Answer 11

In accordance with an objective standard viewed from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, without the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, and within the limitations of the totality of the circumstances present at the time of the incident.

Question 12

Serious Bodily Injury.

Answer 12

An injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfiguration, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

Question 13

Vascular Neck Restraint.

Answer 13

A neck restraint that applies pressure to the carotid artery or arteries, which may restrict blood flow to the brain and cause loss of consciousness. Also known as a sleeper hold.

Question 14

USE OF DEADLY FORCE AND FIREARMS

It is the policy of this law enforcement agency to value and preserve human life. The use of deadly force shall be limited to those circumstances in which _____

Officers shall not use deadly force against a person who is _____.

Officers shall _____, such as, without limitation, issuing a verbal warning when possible prior to the use of deadly force. Officers shall consider their immediate surroundings and the safety of uninvolved persons before using deadly force.

Officers shall not justify the use of deadly force by intentionally placing themselves in imminent danger.

Answer 14

1) officers have an objectively reasonable belief that deadly force is necessary to protect themselves or others from the imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death.

2) a threat only to themselves or to property

3) exhaust all reasonably available alternatives

Question 15

Firearm Usage

Officers may unholster or display their firearm as needed under the circumstances, but shall point a firearm at a person only when _____

Prior to discharging a firearm, officers shall consider their surroundings and take _____.

Answer 15

1) objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances.

2) reasonable precautions to avoid endangering bystanders

Question 16

Firearm Usage

Officers shall not use firearms in any of the following ways:

a. Firing _____

b. Firing at fleeing suspects who _____

c. Firing at suspects whose _____

Answer 16

a. Firing warning shots.

b. Firing at fleeing suspects who do not represent an imminent threat to the life of the officer or another person.

c. Firing at suspects whose actions are a threat to only themselves (e.g., attempted or threatened suicide) or to property.

Question 17

DETERMINING THE OBJECTIVE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE

There are numerous factors an officer must take into consideration when determining whether to apply any level of force. Officers shall always consider time, distance, numbers, cover, and concealment. Officers shall also consider, without limitation, the following factors:

a. The _____of the individual being confronted.

b. The ________ of the officer and the suspect.

c. The _____ available versus the number of suspects.

d. Influence of _____, and/or _____.

e. Proximity to _____.

f. Time and circumstances permitting the _____

g. _____of the suspected offense or reason for contact with the individual.

h. Potential for _____

i. Risk of _____.

Answer 17

a. The conduct of the individual being confronted.

b. The age, size, relative strength, skill level, injury, and level of fatigue of the officer and the suspect.

c. The number of officers available versus the number of suspects.

d. Influence of drugs, alcohol, and/or mental capacity.

e. Proximity to weapons.

f. Time and circumstances permitting the availability of other options.

g. Seriousness of the suspected offense or reason for contact with the individual.

h. Potential for injury to citizens, officers, or suspects.

i. Risk of escape.

Question 18

DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS

When safe and reasonable under the totality of circumstances, officers shall use de-escalation techniques in an attempt to gain _____ and to _____. Recognizing that circumstances may rapidly change, officers may need to abandon de-escalation efforts after they have commenced.

Answer 18

1) voluntary compliance

2) reduce or eliminate the use of physical force

Question 19

DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS

Assessment

Whenever possible, at least _____ shall respond to scenes involving individuals brandishing a weapon and/or exhibiting violent or irrational behavior or extreme agitation.

In all high-risk situations, if time and other circumstances allow, the responding supervisor and officers shall assess the scene and develop a plan for approach. In cases of _____, responding officers should not delay the approach to wait for back-up unit(s) or a supervisor.

As officers arrive on the scene, observe conditions, and interact with the persons present, they should continue to gather additional relevant information and facts. These assessments, along with reasonable inferences, help to develop an understanding of the totality of the circumstances of the incident. After an officer has gathered sufficient information to_____ , the officer shall consider what police actions are appropriate.

Answer 19

1) two officers and a field supervisor

2) imminent danger

3) ascertain anticipated threats at the scene

Question 20

DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS

Use of De-Escalation Techniques

Employing de-escalation techniques may involve _____, _____, and employing _____

Answer 20

1) securing additional resources

2) tactical repositioning

3) verbal persuasion.

Question 21

DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS

Verbal Persuasion:

If possible and reasonable under the totality of the circumstances, officers shall respectfully use one or more of the following verbal techniques to try to calm an agitated individual and promote rational decisions:

a. Explain what the _____ is doing, what the _____ can do, and _____

b. Explain why the officer is _____, permitting the individual to respond and acknowledging the individual’s _____.

c. Ask the individual about _____ in an effort to gain an alternate avenue to compliance.

d. If possible, provide the individual with _____, even though those ____may be limited.

e. Advise the individual of the _____.

f. Provide the individual with reasonably sufficient time within which to _____

Answer 21

a. Explain what the officer is doing, what the individual can do, and what needs to happen.

b. Explain why the officer is taking a specific action, permitting the individual to respond and acknowledging the individual’s perspective.

c. Ask the individual about their needs and wishes in an effort to gain an alternate avenue to compliance.

d. If possible, provide the individual with alternatives, even though those alternatives may be limited.

e. Advise the individual of the consequences for noncompliance.

f. Provide the individual with reasonably sufficient time within which to respond to directives.

Question 22

DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS

Time, Distance, Numbers, Cover, and Concealment:

When safe and feasible under the totality of the circumstances, officers shall:

a. Attempt to slow down or stabilize the situation so that _____ are available for incident resolution.

b. _____ from the suspect(s) to allow for greater reaction time.

c. Use a _____ to de-escalation, considering officer training and skill level, the number of officers, and whether any officer has successfully established rapport with the individual. Each individual officer’s actions shall complement the overall approach. When multiple officers are present, a single officer should take the lead role in communicating with the individual to avoid overwhelming the individual and exacerbating their potential confusion and/or agitation.

d. Use _____, such as placing barriers between an uncooperative individual and officers by using natural barriers in the immediate environment.

Answer 22

1) more time, options, and resources

2) Increase distance

3) team approach

4) cover and concealment for tactical advantage

Question 23

INTERMEDIATE WEAPONS

Before carrying or using an intermediate weapon, an officer shall be _____ by the Training Division. The Training Division is responsible for _____. Intermediate weapons shall be carried or used as issued or authorized by the department. No changes, alterations, or modificationsare permitted.

Unless an officer has a reasonable belief that there is an_____, the officer shall not use weapons for which the officer has not received requisite training or provide weapons to others to use when such persons have not received requisite training.

Answer 23

1) currently certified with the intermediate weapon

2) maintaining a list of approved intermediate weapons and carrying devices

3) imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or another person

Question 24

Batons

Officers shall carry a baton when responding to _____ calls or working an event where _____. Supervisors responding to situations requiring a baton shall ensure that each officer at the scene complies with this policy.

Unless deadly force is warranted, officers shall deliver baton strikes only to areas of the body _____ and only with the degree of force necessary to counter resistance or establish control of the suspect. Additionally, there are circumstances that occur in which flashlights may also be used as batons. Strikes made with flashlights shall be made in accordance with _____

Answer 24

1) disturbance

2) there are a large number of persons

3) below the shoulders

4) the same guidelines as those made with batons.

Question 25

OC Spray

The department does not furnish officers with OC spray or related equipment. If an officer wants to carry OC spray on duty or while working extra employment, the officer shall obtain _____. The officer may carry only OC spray and related equipment that is approved by the Training Division. Uniformed officers carrying OC spray shall store the canisters on their duty belts in an appropriate case.

Except in exigent circumstances, officers shall not use OC spray at a person _____.

Officers shall not use OC spray on persons who appear to be _____

In addition to the requirements of Section 10, Requesting Medical Personnel and Providing First Aid, an officer who uses OC spray on a person shall immediately _____

Answer 25

1) OC spray certification by Training Division personnel

2) less than three feet or more than ten feet away

3) younger than 17 or older than 65 years of age, any person known to have respiratory illnesses, or any person who appears to be pregnant.

4) begin decontamination procedures as soon as doing so is safe.

Question 26

Soft-Impact Weapons and 40mm Launchers

On each shift, soft-impact weapons and 40mm launchers shall be assigned to and stored in
designated patrol vehicles. An officer may check out a soft-impact weapon or a 40mm launcher if there is one available. Officers who choose to check out a soft-impact weapon or a 40mm launcher shall _____

Sergeants and officers who are assigned or who check out a soft-impact weapon or a 40mm launcher shall inspect such equipment prior to signing on duty. If the sergeant or officer observes any new damage, missing parts, or defective equipment, the sergeant or officer, as applicable, shall _____

Answer 26

1) notify the dispatcher at the beginning of their shift.

2) notify their supervisor before signing on duty.

Question 27

Soft-Impact Weapons and 40mm Launchers

Unless deadly force is warranted, officers shall not target a soft-impact weapon or a 40mm launcher for munition impacts at a person’s chest, back, neck, or head. Officers may target the suspect’s abdomen for _____. Officers should target the suspect’s buttocks or legs for _____, but shall avoid intentionally striking the person’s groin.

Officers shall not fire a 40mm launcher for munition impacts at a person less than _____feet away.

Officers assigned to the Special Response Group’s Chemical Munitions Team may fire extended range munitions from a 40mm launcher, but shall not fire extended range munitions at a person less than _____ feet away.

Officers shall not fire a soft-impact weapon at a person less than ____ feet away.

Answer 27

1) munition impacts

2) munition impacts

3) five

4) 33

5) 30

Question 28

Soft-Impact Weapons and 40mm Launchers

When using a soft-impact weapon or 40mm launcher for munition impacts, officers should be part of an arrest team. Another officer should be present to protect the arrest team from _____. Additional officers present should safely conduct the arrest of the target after the discharge of the soft-impact weapon or 40mm launcher.

When a division is assigned soft-impact weapons or 40mm launchers, the _____ is responsible for ensuring the weapons are properly maintained. Officers in specialized divisions needing a soft-impact weapon or a 40mm launcher shall coordinate with an appropriate district patrol supervisor.

Answer 28

1) deadly threats

2)division commander

Question 29

Conducted Energy Devices

A CED is a non-lethal device used to gain control of a suspect. As with any intermediate or deadly weapon, officers shall always guard against having a device or weapon taken from them. The CED is capable of incapacitating the officer, leaving the officer’s firearm accessible. In such situations, if a suspect gains control of a CED, officers should attempt to use de-escalation techniques as instructed by Section 3, De-Escalation of Potential Force Encounters, unless_____

For detailed information on the policies and procedures regarding CEDs, see General Order 400-26, Conducted Energy Devices.

Answer 29

to do so would present a greater danger to the officers or the public.

Question 30

PROHIBITED FORCE METHODS

Officers shall not use force against a person who is handcuffed or otherwise restrained except when _____, _____, or _____. Lawful purposes include, but are not limited to, escorting a resistant prisoner or placing a resistant prisoner in a vehicle.

Answer 30

1) necessary for a lawful purpose

2) to prevent injury to any person

3) to prevent escape

Question 31

PROHIBITED FORCE METHODS

Officers shall not use vascular neck restraints, chokeholds, or any similar neck restraint, whether by using an object or a body part, unless _____. These techniques, which shall not be taught by the Training Division, are considered a use of deadly force.

Answer 31

there is an objectively reasonable belief that it is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death to the officer or any other person

Question 32

PROHIBITED FORCE METHODS

Officers shall not place their knee, feet, or body weight on the neck of a suspect in order to control or contain the suspect’s movements.

Unless other options are not feasible, officers shall not take a suspect to the ground by _____

When attempting to control a grounded suspect, officers shall place pressure only on the suspect’s shoulders, chest, or the middle of the back. If an officer unintentionally places pressure on a suspect’s neck during a struggle, the officer shall _____

Answer 32

1) the neck.

2) remove the pressure as soon as practical.

Question 33

DUTY TO INTERVENE

An officer has a duty to intervene to stop or prevent another peace officer, regardless of rank, from using force against a suspect if the amount of force exceeds that which is reasonable under the circumstances and the officer knows or should know that the other officer’s use of force has one or more of the following characteristics:

a. The force _____.

b. The force puts a person at risk of bodily injury and is not _____

c. The force is not _____

An officer who witnesses the use of excessive force by another officer shall promptly make a detailed written report of the incident and deliver the report to their own supervisor.

Answer 33

1) violates state or federal law

2) immediately necessary to avoid imminent bodily injury to a peace officer or other person.

3) required to apprehend the person suspected of committing an offense.

Question 34

NOTICE OF AUTHORITY AND IDENTITY

Officers shall identify themselves as a peace officer and make clear their intent to arrest or search a person before using force, unless…

Answer 34

it is already reasonably known by the individual to be searched or arrested or it is not practical to do so.

Question 35

SAFE HANDLING OF WEAPONS

Officers shall not display any intermediate weapon or firearm in an unprofessional or unsafe manner.

When an officer removes a firearm or CED from its holster or carries a soft-impact weapon or 40mm launcher, the officer shall use _____ to prevent an unintentional discharge. The officer shall continue indexing until the point in which the officer is prepared to fire at the threat and has made the conscious decision to fire at the threat. Officers shall, if possible, _____ before physically restraining a person.

Answer 35

1) indexing

2) re-holster their firearm or CED

Question 36

MOVING OR FLEEING VEHICLE

Discharging a firearm, soft-impact weapon, or 40mm launcher at a moving vehicle is prohibited unless one of the following situations exists:

a. A person in the vehicle is immediately threatening the officer or any other person with serious bodily injury or death by _____

b. The vehicle is operated in a manner deliberately intended to strike the officer or another person, and _____

Officers shall not discharge a firearm, soft-impact weapon, or 40mm launcher from a moving vehicle unless there is an objectively reasonable belief that it is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death and no other reasonable alternative exists.

Answer 36

1) means other than the vehicle itself (e.g., driver firing at the officer with a firearm).

2) all other reasonable means of defense or avoidance have been exhausted or
are not present or practical, including moving out of the path of the vehicle.

Question 37

REQUESTING MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND PROVIDING FIRST AID

Any officer who encounters any injured person while discharging the officer’s official duties, including but not limited to a person injured due to a use of force by any officer, shall _____.

While awaiting emergency medical services, officers shall provide first aid to their level of training without any unreasonable delay, taking into consideration that the first priority of all officers is _____.

_____shall remain the most important task. Once treatment begins, officers may quickly lose any tactical advantage due to the fact they will be kneeling or crouched and/or have their attention diverted during the assessment and rendering of first aid.

Upon notification of a use of force by an officer, the dispatcher and the notified supervisor shall remind the officer to immediately request emergency medical services as necessary and to provide first aid.

Answer 37

1) immediately request emergency medical services as necessary.

2) scene safety

3) Mitigating any potential threats prior to providing first aid

Question 38

USE OF FORCE BY CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES

Civilian employees are not authorized to use force for law enforcement purposes. If a civilian employee is required by the circumstances to use force while on duty for their protection or the protection of a third party, the civilian employee shall _____

Answer 38

use only objectively reasonable force.

Question 39

REFERENCE MATERIAL

City of Houston Executive Order _____ To the extent there are any conflicts, the Executive Order supersedes this General Order.

Answer 39

No. 1-67.