Control Tactics & Use of Force Flashcards
What sections of the Criminal Code grant us the authority to use force?
s. 25
s. 27
What does Section 26 of the Criminal Code cover?
Everyone who is authorized by law to use force is criminally responsible for any excess thereof according to the nature and quality of the act that constitutes the excess.
What does Section 25(1) of the Criminal Code cover?
Everyone who is required or authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of the law
(a) as a private person
(b) as a peace officer or public officer
(c) In aid of a peace officer or public officer
(d) by virtue of his office
Is, if on reasonable grounds, justified in doing what he is required or authorized to do in using as much force as necessary for that purpose.
What does Section 27 of the Criminal Code cover?
Everyone is justified in using as much force as is reasonably necessary
(a) To prevent an offence
(i) Where the person who committed it might be arrested without warrant, and
(ii) that would likely to cause immediate and serious injury to the person or property of anyone; or
(b) To prevent anything being done that, on reasonable grounds, they believe would be an offence mentioned in paragraph (a)
Objective Reasonable Test
- Was the officer lawfully placed?
- Does the officer subjectively believe the amount of force used was reasonable?
- Would a reasonable person believe the amount of force used was reasonable?
Define Objectively
Based on facts
Define Subjectively
Based on your personal feelings or opinions
4 principles of Use of Force
- Public Safety
- Officer Safety
- Continuous Risk Assessment
- Best Strategy with the least likelihood of death, injury, or property damage.
List the five subject behaviour categories
- Cooperative
- Passive Resister
- Active Resister
- Assaultive
- G.B.H or Death
Officer response options for Cooperative
Officer Presence
Communication
Physical Control
Officer response options for Passive Resister
Officer Presence
Communication
Physical Control
Officer response options for Active Resister
Officer Presence
Communication
Physical Control
Intermediate Weapons for the higher spectrum of Active Resister
Officer response options for Assaultive
Officer Presence
Communication
Physical Control
Intermediate Weapons
Officer response options for G.B.H or Death
Officer Presence
Communication
Physical Control
Intermediate Weapons
Lethal Force
Name a minimum of five subject factors
- Age, Size, Gender
- Number of offenders
- Previous knowledge and encounters
- Training, including consideration for any spoken statements by this person. Take it seriously.
- Exhaustion and injuries
- Mental state
- Drug/Alcohol impairment
- Verbal and Non-verbal threat cues
- Nature & severity of crime
- Fleeing or risk of escape
- Weapons or proximity to weapons
- Level of fitness
- Audience/Peers
Name a minimum of five environment factors
- Location
- Cover, concealment, and shielding opportunities
- Lighting
- Footing
- Isolation or open space?
- Weather condition
- Other important circumstances
Name a minimum of five Officer factors
- Age, Size, Gender
- Number of officers
- Response time for back-up to arrive
- Training, experience and fitness level
- Exhaustion or injuries
- Prior knowledge of subject including criminal history, encounters, reputation.
- Time and distance
- Position
- Equipment
Articulate and define AIM
Ability - Does the subject have, or appear to have the physical ability to cause injury or death?
Intent - Does the subject’s actions and/or words have you believe that they had the intent to cause injury or death?
Means - Does the subject have the means to follow through?
What are the three types of subjects you’ll encounter when handcuffing?
Totally cooperative
Potentially uncooperative
Totally uncooperative
What are the three tactical considerations when handcuffing?
Approach to contact
Control upon first touch
Speed of application
D.S. ALPS
Double Lock when tactically safe to do so
Search
Ask
Look
Pat
Squeeze
What are the two handcuffing myths?
Keyholes must be pointing out - This should be the last concern of an Officer applying handcuffs, otherwise it could risk Officer safety
Double locking the handcuffs will prevent all subject injury - Injuries can still occur when handcuffs are placed on too tightly or too loose.
Seven Tactical Principles
- Winning Mentality
- One + One rule
- De-Escalation
- Verbal Commands
- Threat Cues
- Time : Distance Ratio
- Cover & Concealment
The Five Areas of Risk
- Hands
- Weapons
- Environment
- Escape Routes
- Friends & Associates
Common Types of Resistance (4)
Passive resistance
Resistance during handcuffing
Escort position resistance
Assaultive
3 basic rules with tactical positioning
Avoid the inside position whenever possible
Interview stance should be assumed from the position Level I
Escort position should be assumed from the position II 1/2
Reactionary gap
approximately 6ft.
Reactionary options (2)
Penetrate or disengage
Four Situations that Activate SNS
Objective threat perception
Objective fear perception
Physical exhaustion
Startle response
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) responses
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
SNS Activation Symptoms
be able to list 5 out of 8
- Rapid breathing
- Cottonmouth
- Muscular tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Sweaty palms
- Visual difficulty
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of bowel control
SNS Burnout
Average Officer - 10-15 seconds of 100% peak performance
00-15 seconds of 100% peak performance
15-30 seconds of 55% peak performance
30-60 seconds of 35% peak performance
60-90 seconds of 31% peak performance
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
Rest & Digest
Works to bring your body back into a resting state after an SNS activation
PNS Backlash Symptoms
Dizziness
Excessive bleeding
Shock
Exhaustion
Muscle tremors
What is PNS Backlash?
Occurs when the threat has been removed and it results in extreme weariness and fatigue as the body comes down from the SNS activation.
Common PNS Backlash triggers
Perception that the threat has been removed
Perception that there is an injury
Trauma to a vital system
Exhaustion
Critical Incident Amnesia
A temporary amnesia of events after an SNS activation that includes the release of cortisol.
Five Control Principles
- Motor Dysfunction
- Pain Compliance
- Balance Displacement
- Stunning Techniques
- Distraction Techniques
Two applications of PSA’s
Touch Pressure
Striking
PSA
Pressure Sensitive Areas
Three Princples of PSA’s
- Verbal Direction
- Pressure & Counter Pressure
- Apply Sunddenly & Reward Compliance
Two categories of Pressure Points
Nerve Motor Points
Nerve Pressure Points
Five steps to Touch Pressure
- Stabilize the target
- Apply pressure & counter pressure
- Digital tip
- Loud, repetitive verbal commands
- Alleviate pressure with compliance
Define Excited Delirium
An extreme state of mental and physiological excitement, characterized by extreme agitation, hyperthermia, hostility, exceptional strength, and endurance without apparent fatigue
Symptoms of Excited Delirium
be able to list 6 of 10
Symptoms:
* Hyperthermia
* Agitation
* Increased pain tolerance
* Police non-compliance
* Tachypnea (abnormal breathing +20 breaths/minute)
* Sweating
* Unusual (superhuman) strength
* Inappropriately clothed (nudiness)
* Lack of tiring
* Mirror/Glass attraction
Pre-contact Strategies for excited delirium
Keep distance
Low light
Slow movement
Encourage talking
Calm, slow speech
Response Measures for Excited Delirium
Identify
Sedate
Control
Transport
OC Physiological Effects
Respiratory System - wheezing/coughing, inability to take deep breaths, shortness of breath, chest tightness
Eyes - Profound tearing, painful burning sensation, temporary visual impairment, involuntary eye closure
Skin - increased heat sensation, redness to the contaminated area, swelling and/or tingling, increased pain or discomfort
OC Psychological Effects
Fear
Anxiety
Panic
Goal re-oriented
Anger
Inward focus on pain
Helplessness
Thought process interruption.
Three Levels of Shoulder Pin theory (Verbatim)
Level I - Rear neck lock, no compression
Level II - Mechanical compression until concious compliance
Level III - Compression until the subject is rendered unconcious
Ballistic Needling
Capsicum particles become embeedded in cornea or surrounding tissues causing extreme irritation.
Can happen when deployed less than 3ft away.
MK III OC spray
Aim at eyes
Minimum distance is 3ft
Effective range is 12-15ft (4-5m)
4 Year Expiry
OC Advantages
Engage at a great distance
Temporary effects
Easy to use
Can prevent physical confrontation
Can prevent greater escalation
OC Disadvantages
Potential for cross-contamination
Adversely affected by wind and rain
Threat may avoid receiving a direct spray
Threat may have eye protection
Some subjects may become more aggressive
OC Tactics
Shielding - Put something between you and subject
Distance - Can take up to 5 seconds to take effect
Movement - Move off the line
Surprise - Do not have to alert subject when tactically advantageous
Verbalization - Use verbal commands
Factors to consider when using OC
Drug/Alcohol Intoxication
Obesity/Physical Exertion
Mental Health
Medical Conditions
Four Physiological Factors of Vascular Restraint
Venous Compression
Valsalva Maneuver
Vagus Stimulation
Carotid Compression
The Five Technical Aspects of Shoulder Pin
- Approach
- Arm Placement
- Grip
- Compression
- Takedown Procedure
Subjects will regain conciousness from Shoulder Pin in about…
5-30 seconds
Baton Advantages
Ease of carrying
Psychological Advantage
Engage at a greater distance
Baton Disadvantages
Maintenance is necessary
Greater likelihood of injury
Method of deployment may vary (friction lock v. disc lock)
Shoulder Pin: Three Levels of Compression
Level I: Rear Neck Lock, No Compression
Level II: Mechanical Compression until Conscious Compliance
Level III: Compression until Subject is Rendered Unconscious
Technical Aspects of Shoulder Pin (5)
Approach from 2 1/2 position
Arm Placement
Grip
Compression
Takedown Procedure
Edged Weapon Common Characteristics (5)
Typically begins at a Close-Range
Weapon is not shown prior to attack
Majority of people are right-handed
Off-hand often need to grab and gauge distance
Repetitive motions, not a single-thrust
Knife-Stopping Power (6)
Psychological effect
Pain
Damage to major organs
Blood loss
Damage to the nervous system
Structural damage
Intermediate Weapons
OC Spray
Baton
Taser
Cover v. Concealment v. Shielding
Cover is a physical barrier that can stop a threat from penetrating
Concealment is used to hide the officer from the threat
Shielding is putting an object between themselves to increase time:distance ratio
