De-escalation is a core principle of sound tactical operations, and Department members shall consider de-escalation and crisis stabilization techniques to be part of tactical planning. The overall goal is to decrease the intensity of the situation by persuading the subject to voluntarily comply, allow the Department member to use additional options other than force, or to mitigate the need to use a greater amount of force to safely resolve the situation. De-escalation and crisis stabilization techniques, however, may not be appropriate in every situation, and Department members are not required to place themselves in danger or use de-escalation or crisis stabilization techniques in every instance.
Whenever reasonably safe and feasible to do so, Department members shall use de-escalation and crisis stabilization techniques, which can prevent the need to use force or reduce the amount of force that is required. De-escalation may include calling for additional resources, such as a Mental Evaluation Team, to the scene. Department members shall also avoid tactics and approaches that unnecessarily escalate situations, which may increase the likelihood of a need to use force or a greater degree of force. Department members shall only use that level of force that is proportional, objectively reasonable, and reasonably appears necessary. Department members should use force as a last resort when reasonably safe and feasible.
DISCLAIMER FOR UOF POLICY:
The Use of Force policy published on July 19, 2024, will be effective once training on the policy takes place. This transition period is being provided to ensure awareness of the new policy provisions throughout the Department, and to ensure education on the new policy and its components have been made available to Department members.