Department members are authorized to use only that amount of force that is consistent with Department policy, and which is proportional, objectively reasonable, and reasonably appears necessary at the time to perform their duties. "Objectively reasonable" means that Department members shall evaluate each situation requiring the use of force in light of the known circumstances from the perspective of a reasonable peace officer on the scene, including, but not limited to: the severity of the crime at issue, whether the subject poses an immediate threat to the safety of the Department member or others, and whether the subject is actively resisting, in determining the necessity for force and the appropriate level of force.
The following are examples of factors that may be considered in determining if the force that was used was objectively reasonable, proportional, and reasonably appeared to be necessary:
Whether the subject reasonably appeared to pose an immediate threat to the safety of the Department member or the public;
The severity of the crime;
Whether the subject is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest;
Whether the subject has been given a reasonable opportunity to calm down, subdue aggressive and irrational behaviors, and comply with directives;
The feasibility of using de-escalation tactics, crisis stabilization, or other alternatives to de-escalate the situation using force;
Whether it is reasonably safe and feasible to deploy other available resources and techniques;
Consideration of surroundings and potential risks to bystanders;
The risk and foreseeable consequences of not immediately apprehending the subject;
Factors such as age, size, relative strength, skill level, etc.;
The Department member’s level of training and experience;
Prior contacts with the subject(s) and/or knowledge of a subject’s propensity for violence;
The level of threat or resistance presented by the subject;
The proximity, possession, or access to weapons of the subject;
The availability of additional law enforcement personnel;
The amount of incapacitation of the Department member due to fatigue or injury;
The influence of drugs and/or alcohol on the subject;
The mental capacity or mental health of the subject;
Whether the subject has any apparent physical or developmental disabilities;
Whether it should have been apparent to the Department member that the subject had a mental illness, developmental disability, or cognitive disability;
Whether the subject appears to be pregnant;
The amount of time and changing circumstances during which the Department member had to decide the type and amount of force that appeared to be reasonable under the circumstances;
The availability of other resources;
Environmental conditions, including but not limited to lighting, footing, sound conditions, crowds, backdrop, field of fire, traffic, and other hazards; and
Other emergent circumstances.
When force is used, it shall be deployed in a manner that avoids unnecessary injury to Department members and civilians. Department members maintain the right to self-defense and have a duty to protect the lives of others.
A Department member may only use a level of force that they reasonably believe, based on the totality of the circumstances, is proportional to the seriousness of the suspected offense or the reasonably perceived level of actual or threatened resistance.
Physical force shall not be used against individuals in restraints, except as proportional, objectively reasonable, and that which reasonably appears necessary to prevent their escape, prevent the destruction of property, or prevent imminent bodily injury to the subject, the Department member, or another person. In these situations, only a proportional amount of force that is objectively reasonable and reasonably appears necessary to control the situation shall be used.