Use of Force Dept. Policy

Question 1

What policy number is the Use of Force policy?

Answer 1

Policy 300

Question 2

When shall an officer use force according to our plocy

Answer 2

Use only amount of force which appears reasonably necessary given the facts and circumstances perceived by the officer at the time of the event to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose

Question 3

How will the officer be judged?

Answer 3

Judgment from the perspective of a reasonable officer on scene at the time of the incident

Question 4

Define less-lethal force in accordance with our policy

Answer 4

Force that is not reasonably anticipated nor intended to create a substantial likelihood of death or very serious injury

Question 5

What should the officer do when reasonable prior to the use of deadly force?

Answer 5

The officer should make efforts to identify themselves as a police officer and warn deadly force may be used unless officer has reason to believe the person is aware of these facts

Question 6

What circumstances involving imminent threat or risk would deadly force be justified?

Answer 6

To protect themselves or others when officer reasonably believes is an imminent threat of death/serious bodily injury

stop a fleeing subject when officer has:
-PC to believe individual has committed, intends to commit a serious violent felony

Officer should reason to believe there is an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to any other person if individual is not immediately apprehended

Question 7

How is imminent danger defined in our policy?

Answer 7

Does not mean immediate or instantaneous

May exist even if suspect at very moment does not point a weapon at someone

May exist if individual is capable of causing serious bodily death or injury even without a weapon, and officer believes they intend to do so

Question 8

What does the policy state about de-escalation?

Answer 8

When able to, the officer should use escalation techniques to reduce the intensity of the encounter

Does not require officer to compromise their safety and should only be used when it is safe and able to do

Question 9

What does the use of force policy state about warnings given prior to the use of control devices?

Answer 9

A warning should be given before any member uses control devices, other than handcuffs when feasible

Question 10

What is our policy on respiratory restraints

Answer 10

Only limited to circumstances where deadly force is authorized.

If applied, it is subject to the same guidelines as a carotid control hold

Question 11

Under our policy it is a requirement to intercede if another member is using excessive force. T or F

Answer 11

True

Question 12

How should you report use of force

Answer 12

Notify as soon as practical following the application of physical force

Question 13

What circumstances constitute reporting a use of force

Answer 13

• Force has caused a physical injury or death
• If physical injury not immediately apparent, member reasonably believes a person has been injured by the use of force
• Any application of a control device
• Individual could have been or is rendered unconscious
• EMS personnel have been called to assess individual

Question 14

What are the levels of the use of force continuum? Where does k9 fall on this?

Answer 14

1. Officer presence
2. Verbal commands
3. Empty hand control
4. Less-lethal methods
5. Deadly force

The k9 would fall under #4 as mere struggling by officers does not necessarily justify the use of a k9