Use Of Force 300

Question 1

Factors used to Determine Reasonableness of Force

Answer 1

1. Seriousness offense or reason for contact
2. Immediacy and severity of the threat to officers or others
3. If suspect is actively evading/resisting arrest
4. Officers perception of suspects conduct
5. Proximity of weapons available to suspect
6. The number of officer(s) vs suspect(s)
7. Availability of other options, time and circumstances permitting
8. Influence of drugs/alcohol (mental capacity)
9. Potential for injury (officers, citizens, and suspect)
10. Training and experience of officer(s)
11. Suspects capability to pose imminent threat (e.g. actively hiding)
12. Risk and consequences of escape
13. Individual officer/suspect factors (i.e. size, strength, injury, exhaustion)
14. If suspect has been restrained and is still able to resist
15. Type and thickness of suspects clothing
16. Need immediate control of sus or prompt resolution
17. Prior contacts with suspect
18. Exigent circumstances

Question 2

When May an officer use deadly force?

Answer 2

1. To protect from what is reasonably believed to be an imminent threat of death or GBI
2. To affect arrest or prevent escape of suspected felon when:
   a) officer has probable cause to believe suspect has committed felon involving infliction or threatened infliction of GBI or death
   b) officer reasonably believes there is substantial risk of GBI or death to others if sus is not immediately apprehended
3. To stop dangerous or threatening animal
   a) With sufficient notice consider other use of force option

Question 3

Reasonable Belief

Answer 3

Facts or circumstances officer knows, or should have known, would cause an ordinary and prudent person to act or think in a similar way under similar circumstances

Question 4

Serious Bodily Injury (GBI)

Answer 4

Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death; causes serious or permanent disfigurement; results in long-term loss or impairment of the functioning of any bodily member or organ

Question 5

When are warning shots permitted

Answer 5

When the situation would justify the use of deadly force; and are only permitted when it provides potential to diffuse an escalating and potentially life threatening incident

Question 6

When can a suspect choose to AMA?

Answer 6

Upon being cited and released; suspects in custody may not AMA from treatment in the field.

Question 7

When is force reportable?

Answer 7

1. Officers use force and person is injured, complains about pain, or is rendered unconscious
2. Officers strike a person with a body part or object
3. Officers use a department issued weapon against another
   * Immediately notify supervisor when reportable use of force is used*