Policy Text
Chapter 1
1.1.3.1
civil liability.
1.1.3.2
intervention of force.
1.1.3.3
assisting any other law enforcement agency.
Intervention may be verbal and/or physical.
1.1.3.4
Intervention: Officers shall notify a supervisor immediately after
1.1.3.5 Duty to Report
disciplinary action up to and including dismissal 1.2.10).
(CALEA
1.2 ORGANIZATION:
of the Miami Police Department.
1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.3.1
their command are in compliance with this policy.
1.3.2
still at the scene of the incident.
1.4 DEFINITIONS:
Any use of force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious
DEADLY FORCE:
bodily injury.
Any use of force other than that which is considered deadly force that
LESS-LETHAL FORCE:
OBJECTIVELY REASONABLE:
level of force used
prudent officer would use under the same or similar situations.
Chapter 1
Injury that involves a substantial risk of death, protracted and
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY:
Taking action or communicating verbally or non-verbally during a potential
DE-ESCALATION:
repositioning.
CHOKE HOLD (Prohibited):
breathe.
windpipe, or airway of another person that prevents an individual’s ability to
LATERAL VASCULAR NECK RESTRAINT (LVNR):
consciousness.
Discharge of a firearm for the purpose of compelling compliance
WARNING SHOT (Prohibited):
from an individual, but not intended to cause physical injury.
Imminent danger/threat means immediate danger that must be instantly
IMMINENT DANGER:
met in self-defense or in the defense of another person.
LAST RESORT:
without endangering the officer or the public.
1.5 PROCEDURES:
Officers shall only use such force as is reasonably necessary and authorized
1.5.1 Using Force:
resistance, and in accordance with the Use of Force Matrix outlined in
with the subject’s level of
this Departmental Order.
1.5.1.1 DE-ESCALATION:
and opportunity to submit to verbal commands before force is used.
Chapter 1
1.5.1.2 Use of Force/Levels of Resistance Matrix (Resistance Levels):
1.5.1.3 Presence:
1.5.1.4 Verbal Resistance: officer’s
the subject may not respond to the officer.
1.5.1.5 Passive Physical Resistance:
officer to employ physical maneuvers to establish control.
1.5.1.6 Active Physical Resistance:
officer’s
away, or not allowing the officer to get close.
1.5.1.7 Aggressive Physical Resistance:
others.
1.5.1.8 Aggravated Physical Resistance:
or others.
Chapter 1
1.5.1.9 Police Officer Response Levels:
1.5.1.10 Level 1 – Officer Presence – Arrival:
are dealing with a police officer.
1.5.1.10.1 Interview Stance:
a) The firearm or strong side leg is back;
b) the non-firearm or weak-side leg is forward;
c) the feet are about shoulder-width apart;
d) the are knees slightly bent giving balance, control, and a lower body
center of gravity;
e) the body weight is equally distributed;
f) and the hands are up for guarding the upper body.
1.5.1.11 Level 2 – Communication – Dialogue:
1.5.1.11.1 Verbal Direction:
specific action or non-action.
1.5.1.11.2 Touch:
attention of a subject or individual in a non-confronting situation.
1.5.1.12 Level 3 – Physical Control – Restraint Devices: subject’s
devices, etc.
Techniques used to control a subject when the subject threatens to
1.5.1.12.1 Less Lethal Force:
assault an officer or individual(s) and:
1. Physically resists arrest;
2. verbal dialogue has failed to bring about compliance;