Use of Force Policy
Introduction
This is the community-wide Law Enforcement Use of Force policy. All Law Enforcement members are to follow this policy at all times; failure to follow the said policy will result in disciplinary action.
Section 1 - Definition
The "use of force" refers to the application or deployment of physical coercion or violence by individuals or authorities in various contexts, typically within legal or regulatory frameworks. It encompasses actions ranging from verbal commands to the use of weapons, intended to compel compliance, deter aggression, or ensure safety in situations where necessary and justified. The legality and justification of the use of force often depend on specific circumstances, such as self-defense and law enforcement.
Section 2 - Use of Force Ladder Definition
The "use of force ladder" or "use of force continuum" is a concept used primarily in law enforcement and security contexts to outline a structured approach for escalating or de-escalating the level of force used in response to varying levels of resistance or threat from an individual. The ladder typically consists of several levels or stages, each corresponding to a different degree of force:
Officer Presence: The mere presence of a law enforcement officer or authority figure can sometimes be sufficient to resolve a situation without further escalation.
Verbal Commands: Officers issue clear and concise commands to the subject, aiming to gain compliance through communication.
Soft Techniques: This includes using soft control techniques such as joint locks, pressure points, or handcuffing, which involve minimal physical force.
Empty-Handed Techniques: Techniques such as strikes, kicks, or other physical actions may be employed to gain control, but without the use of weapons.
Less-Lethal Methods: This level involves the use of weapons or tools designed to incapacitate without causing death, such as tasers, batons, pepper spray, or bean bag rounds.
Lethal Force: This is the highest level on the continuum and involves the use of firearms or other deadly weapons when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others.
The use of force continuum is intended to provide guidelines for law enforcement officers to respond appropriately to situations, emphasizing the importance of using the minimum amount of force necessary to achieve lawful objectives while considering the safety of all involved parties. It also stresses the need for officers to constantly reassess and adjust their response based on the evolving circumstances of each situation.
Section 3 - When to use Use of Force with examples
The decision on when to use each level of force on the use of force continuum depends on the specific circumstances of each situation, the perceived threat or resistance posed by the individual(s) involved, and the policies and guidelines of the law enforcement agency or organization. Here's a general guideline on when each level of force might be appropriate:
Officer Presence:
When to Use: Officer presence is typically used as the initial response to a situation. It can help to establish authority and control and may be effective in resolving conflicts through verbal communication alone.
Example: Upon arriving at a scene, an officer uses their presence to defuse a verbal altercation between two individuals.
Verbal Commands:
When to Use: Verbal commands are used when officer presence alone is not sufficient to gain compliance or cooperation.
Example: An officer instructs a suspect to stop moving and show their hands during a traffic stop.
Soft Techniques (Joint locks, pressure points):
When to Use: Soft techniques are used when there is physical resistance or non-compliance, but the situation does not warrant the use of more aggressive force.
Example: During an arrest, an officer uses a joint lock to control and restrain a suspect who is actively resisting without posing a severe threat.
Empty-Handed Techniques (Strikes, kicks):
When to Use: Empty-handed techniques may be used when there is a need to physically restrain or subdue a subject who is actively resisting or attempting to harm the officer or others.
Example: If a suspect becomes violent and attempts to strike an officer during an arrest, the officer may use defensive strikes to gain control.
Less-Lethal Methods (Tasers, pepper spray, batons ,less than lethal rounds):
When to Use: Less-lethal methods are employed when there is a need to incapacitate a subject who poses a threat but does not require lethal force.
Example: An officer uses pepper spray to subdue a suspect who is threatening violence but does not have a weapon.
Lethal Force (Firearms):
When to Use: Lethal force is justified when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others.
Example: An armed suspect points a gun at civilians or officers, posing an immediate threat of lethal force. In such cases, officers may use firearms to neutralize the threat.
It's important to note that the decision to use force at any level should always be based on the principles of proportionality, necessity, and reasonableness. Officers are trained to continually assess the situation and adjust their response accordingly to minimize harm and ensure public safety. Additionally, law enforcement agencies typically have specific policies and training that dictate when and how each level of force can be used.
Section 4 - Any Violation Of Above
Any violation of above definitions will result in 10-90 and or verbal warning but not limited to Community removal depending on severity of evidence provided.
Section 5 - Use of Force Reporting
All members involved in a Use of Force incident will have a Supervisor fill out the UOF report within the report section within the CAD system. The supervisor will be required to fill the UOF report completely with each member involved in the incident. Supervisors will not fill out the report if they have shot their service weapon or taser. Members will give the supervisors a full written report via TS/Discord to input to the report to ensure accuracy from the officer as well as a statement from witnesses
If any member is found in violation of not filling out the UOF report they will be issued a verbal warning for first violation and a written warning 10-90 for following violations.
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