Policy 300- Use of Force Flashcards
Definition-Deadly Force
Force reasonably anticipated and intended to create a substantial likelihood of causing death or very serious injury.
Definition-Feasible
Reasonably capable of being done or carried out under the circumstances to successfully achieve the arrest or lawful objective without increasing risk to the officer or another person.
Definition-Force
The application of physical techniques or tactics, chemical agents, or weapons to another person. It is not a use of force when a person allows him/herself to be searched, escorted, handcuffed, or restrained.
Definition-Imminent
Ready to take place; impending. Note that imminent does not mean immediate or instantaneous. The term “imminent” in this context does not apply to the section Deadly Force Applications.
Definition- Totality of the circumstances
All facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time, taken as a whole, including the conduct of the officer and the subject leading up to the use of force
300.3.2-Pain compliance Techniques
Officers utilizing any pain compliance technique should consider: a)The degree to which the application of the technique may be controlled given the level of resistance.
b) Whether the individual can comply with the direction or orders of the officer.
c) Whether the individual has been given sufficient opportunity to comply.
300.3.3- Alternative tactics-de-escalation
When circumstances reasonably permit, officers should use non-violent strategies and techniques to decrease the intensity of a situation, improve decision-making, improve communication, reduce the need for force, and increase voluntary compliance
300.4- Deadly force applications
When reasonable, the officer shall, prior to the use of deadly force, make efforts to identify him/herself as a peace officer and to warn that deadly force may be used, unless the officer has objectively reasonable grounds to believe the person is aware of those facts
300.4.1- Moving vehicles
An officer should only discharge a firearm at a moving vehicle or its occupants when the officer reasonably believes there are no other reasonable means available to avert the imminent threat of the vehicle or of deadly force other than the vehicle that is directed at the officer or others
A vehicle is not considered a threat for purposes of this policy unless the operator is using it as a deadly weapon and there are no other reasonable means to immediately avoid that threat
300.5.1 - Notifications to supervisors
Supervisory notification shall be made as soon as practicable following the application of force in any of the following circumstances:
a) The application caused a visible injury.
b) The application would lead a reasonable officer to conclude that the individual may have experienced more than momentary discomfort.
c) The individual subjected to the force complained of injury or continuing pain.
d) The individual indicates intent to pursue litigation.
e )Any application of the Conducted Energy Device (CED) or control device.
f) Any application of a restraint device other than handcuffs, shackles, or belly chains.
g) The individual subjected to the force was rendered unconscious.
h) An individual was struck or kicked.
i) An individual alleges unreasonable force was used or that any of the above has occurred.
300.6 - Medical Considerations
Once it is reasonably safe to do so, medical assistance shall be obtained for any person who exhibits signs of physical distress, has sustained visible injury, expresses a complaint of injury or continuing pain, or was rendered unconscious. Any individual exhibiting signs of physical distress after an encounter should be continuously monitored until he/she can be medically assessed. Individuals should not be placed on their stomachs for an extended period, as this could impair their ability to breathe
-officer on scene will tell medical provider person was subject of physical force and type
300.7 - Supervisor Responsibilities
A supervisor should respond to a reported application of force resulting in visible injury, if reasonably available. When a supervisor is able to respond to an incident in which there has been a reported application of force, the supervisor is expected to:
1) Obtain the basic facts from the involved officers. Absent an allegation of misconduct or excessive force, this will be considered a routine contact in the normal course of duties.
2) Ensure that any injured parties are examined and treated.
300.7 - Supervisor Responsibilities (continued)
When possible, separately obtain a recorded interview with the individual upon whom force was applied. If this interview is conducted without the individual having voluntarily waived his/her Miranda rights, the following shall apply:
1) The content of the interview should not be summarized or included in any related criminal charges.
2) The fact that a recorded interview was conducted should be documented in a property or other report.
3) The recording of the interview should be distinctly marked for retention until all potential for civil litigation has expired
300.7 - Supervisor Responsibilities (continued)
Once any initial medical assessment has been completed or first aid has been rendered, ensure that photographs have been taken of any areas involving visible injury or complaint of pain, as well as overall photographs of uninjured areas
e) Identify any witnesses not already included in related reports.
f) Review and approve all related reports.
g) Determine if there is any indication that the individual may pursue civil litigation.
1) If there is an indication of potential civil litigation, the supervisor should complete and route a notification of a potential claim through the appropriate channels.
