Department members shall only use that level of force which is objectively reasonable to uphold safety in the jails and force should be used as a last resort. Reasonable efforts, depending on each situation, should be made by jail personnel to de-escalate incidents by first using sound verbal communications when possible or the use of time and distance. When confronted with a situation in which force may be required, Department members must call a supervisor to the scene as soon as time and circumstances permit.
When force must be used, custody personnel shall endeavor to use restraint techniques when possible, and use only the level of force required for the situation. Force must be terminated as soon as possible consistent with maintaining control of the situation and must be de-escalated if resistance decreases.
Except in the most compelling of circumstances, personnel involved in a use of force or an interaction with a recalcitrant inmate, including participants, witnesses, and supervisors directing the force, shall not escort the inmate to the clinic, housing, a holding cell, etc., unless there are no other personnel reasonably available to escort the inmate.
When Department members witness force that they know is excessive, the member shall attempt, when feasible, and when it does not jeopardize the safety of the inmate or staff, to intervene in an effort to de-escalate, reduce, control or stop the force being used. Unreasonable force is prohibited.
Personnel have a duty to protect inmates and take the appropriate steps to intervene in inmate on inmate violence when it is reasonably safe to do so.