Use Of Force

Front 1

USE OF FORCE

Back 1

It is the policy of this Department that officers shall use only that amount of force that reasonably appears necessary

Front 2

REASONABLENESS

Back 2

Reasonableness of the force used must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene at the time of the incident.

Front 3

PC 835(a)

Back 3

Any peace officer may use reasonable force to:
•Effect the arrest
•To prevent escape
•To overcome resistance

Front 4

FACTORS USED TO DETERMINE THE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE

Back 4

*The conduct of the individual,
•Officer/subject factors (age, size, strength, skill level, injury/exhaustion, # of officers vs. # of subjects).
•Influence of drugs/alcohol, mental state).
•Weapons.
•Availability of other options
•Seriousness of the offense
•Training & experience of the officer.
•Potential for injury to citizens, officers and suspects.
•Risk of escape.
•Other exigent circumstance(s).

Front 5

DEADLY FORCE APPLICATIONS

Back 5

*To protect themselves or others from what they believe would be an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury.
•To effect the arrest or prevent the escape of a felon where the officer believes the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.