Policy Text
6.1 USE OF FORCE:
A. The use of force is governed both by case law interpreting the U.S.
Constitution and Chapter 776 of the Florida Statutes. Deputies are faced
with use of force decisions in three main circumstances:
1. The arrest or detention of a suspect.
2. To prevent escape or return an individual to custody.
3. To defend oneself or another.
B. Chapter 776 of the Florida Statutes governs use of force. The statute refers
to “law enforcement officers.” The guidelines regarding use of force apply
equally to deputy sheriffs and detention deputies.
C. It is the policy of the Broward Sheriff’s Office that the use of force shall
adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
D. Definitions:
1. Balance Displacement: A controlling technique used to break the
subject’s balance through the use of leverage principles. For
purposes of this policy, balance displacement will involve the deputy
applying physical force to off-balance a subject. Simply positioning a
subject in a way that naturally shifts their balance, thereby making it
harder for the subject to move aggressively but does not involve
physical force, will not be considered balance displacement by this
definition.
2. Chokeholds: The intentional and prolonged application of force to the
throat, windpipe, or airway of another person that prevents the intake
of air. The term does not include any hold involving contact with
another person’s neck that is not intended to prevent the intake of
air.
[CFA 4.10]
3. Death In Custody: The death of any person who is detained, under
arrest, or is in the process of being arrested, is enroute to be
incarcerated, or is incarcerated at a municipal or county jail, state
prison, state-run boot camp prison, boot camp prison that is