Use Of Force Flashcards
Department Philosophy regarding Use of Force
The protection and preservation of human life stands as the central concern in any consideration of Force by police officers. It is more important than either the apprehension of criminal offenders or the protection of property.
Necessary
No reasonably effective alternative to the use of force appeared to exist and that the amount of Force used was reasonable to affect the lawful purpose intended.
Objectively Reasonable
- The severity of the alleged crime. 2. Whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to the officers and/or public safety. 3. The officers perception of the suspects level of resistance to arrest or attempts to evade.
Officers actions will be measured by the following
- Was the force used reasonable and necessary 2. Was it in the performance of a legal duty. 3. Were the actions in accordance with dept. policies
Medical Aid
Anytime use of force is applied by dept. personnel where an injury is known, suspected or alleged, the officer will ensure medical aid is available in the case of an injury, apparent illness, or other medical condition.
Reporting Use of Force
Must be documented in Law Incident Report when amount of Force is greater then verbal commands while affecting an arrest, overcoming resistance, or controlling a dangerous situation.
USFR Circumstance Code in dictation
▪Discharge of firearm other than training or recreation ▪Injury alleged or has occurred ▪Medical treatment is requested ▪Death of another person▪Lethal or less lethal device was used to apply force▪Subjects resistance rises to a level that additional criminal charges are applied▪a supervisor requests the documentation
Appropriate Charges
In any case where an officer must resort to the use of force appropriate criminal charges must be considered. Any deviation from this policy, such as restraining a mental patient shall be approved by a supervisor
Lethal Force Defined
▪The discharge of a firearm or strike the head with a baton or solid object even though no intent exists to take the life of another person.▪Carotid restraints and choke holds ▪Any force applied in any manner by any means that a reasonable person would consider likely to cause death or grave injury.
Lethal Force Permitted
- In self defense when there is imminent threat of grave injury or death and there no reasonable alternatives. 2. In defense of another person who is faced with grave injury or death when there are no reasonable alternatives. 3. To effect the arrest and/or prevent escape of a person who the officer has PC to believe has committed or is attempting to commit a felony and when not securing the persons immediate arrest would result in a unacceptable risk to the publics safety and when other means to obtain custody would be ineffective and if feasible, warning is given.
Primary Officer Responsibilities in use of Lethal Force
▪Additional Suspects? ▪Administer First Aid ▪Protect Crime Scene ▪Locate Witnesses ▪Call Supervisor ▪Provide Supervisor with Verbal Account of Incident
Non-primary Officers Responsibilities in Use of Lethal Force
▪Administer First Aid, call for med assistance▪Protect and Control Crime Scene▪Identify Witnesses, record spontaneous statements▪Care for primary involved officer until supervisor arrives ▪Refer media to command officer
Supervisor Responsibilities in Use of Lethal Force
▪Respond to scene ▪Get verbal statements from involved officers ▪Call CID Commander ▪Call Chief of Police ▪Ensure adequate perimeter (crime scene)▪Remove unnecessary personnel from crime scene ▪Involved officers to office asap ▪Discuss dept procedures with involved officers ▪Encourage involved officers to contact an attorney ▪Ensure involved officers do not become isolated unless by choice ▪Encourage involved officers to contact family prior to press release ▪If shots fired, place involved officers weapons in impound ▪Ensure Non-primary involved officers dictate their reports prior to going off shift
