Policy Text
07.03.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this General Order is to provide instructions for the proper use of force by
officers, provide a fair and impartial review of use of force incidents, determine whether
the actions of officers were justified, and to maintain public confidence in the Concord
Police Department.
While there is no way to specify the exact amount or type of reasonable force to be
applied in any situation, every officer of this department is expected to use these
guidelines to make such decisions in a professional, impartial, and reasonable manner.
07.03.1 POLICY
The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the
public and to the law enforcement community. Officers are involved on a daily basis in
numerous and varied interactions and, when warranted, may use reasonable force in
carrying out their duties.
Officers must have an understanding of, and true appreciati on for, their authority and
limitations. This is especially true with respect to overcoming resistance while engaged in
the performance of law enforcement duties.
The Concord Police Department recognizes and respects the value of all human life and
dignit y without prejudice to anyone. Empowering officers with the authority to use
reasonable force and to protect the public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation, and a
careful balancing of all interests.
07.03.2 DEFINITIONS
A. DEADLY FORCE
Force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury.
B. DEADLY WEAPON
A weapon or improvised device that, through normal or intended use, is likely to
cause death or serious bodily injury. CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
USE OF FORCE
GENERAL ORDER : 07.03 CREATED: May 18, 2004 ISSUE DATE : September 9, 2024
CALEA STANDARD: 1.2.10, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.5,
4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.2.2, 4.2.3 EFFECTIVE DATE: September 9, 2024
ACTION : Re-numbers general order dated October 1, 2022 .
General Order 07.03 USE OF FORCE Page 2 of 11
C. DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES
Techniques that seek to minimize the likelihood of the need to use force during an
incident and increase the likelihood of gaining voluntary compliance.
D. IMMINENT
Impending to the point of happening.
E. NON-DEADLY FORCE
Force other than that which is considered deadly force. The use of a baton or similar
weapons normally is non -deadly force, but they can constitute deadly force,
depen ding on the manner of use.
F. NON-DEADLY WEAPON
A weapon that, through normal and intended use, should not cause death or serious
bodily injury. This category includes conductive energy weapons (CEW), batons, and
OC spray.
G. OBJECTIVE REASONABLENESS
A threshold for determining the necessity for force and the appropriate level of force.
Objective reasonableness is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer facing
similar circumstances. Such determination shall be made based upo n the totality of
facts known to the officer at the time force was applied, along with the officer’s prior
training and experience, without regard to the underlying intent or motivation of the
officer. Factors include but are not limited to: the seriousnes s of the crime, level of
threat or resistance presented to the officer, and the danger to the community.
H. OFFICER
For purposes of this general order, the term “officer” includes sworn law enforcement
personnel of any rank who uses force in the performance of their duties.
I. SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
An injury that creates substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent
disfigurement, or results in long term loss or impairment of the functions of any
bodily member or organ.
J. REASONABLE BELIEF
The facts or circumstances that would cause a reasonably trained law enforcement
officer to act or think in a similar way under similar circumstances.
K. RESPIRATORY NECK RESTRAINT (CHOKE HOLD)
A restraint method performed by applying direct pressure to the tra chea, control is
established through pain compliance and strangulation.
L. VASCULAR NECK RESTRAINT (STRANGLE HOLD)
A restraint method of control that is established through pressure to the sides of the
neck that critically reduces blood from passing through the neck.
General Order 07.03 USE OF FORCE Page 3 of 11
07.03.3 DE-ESCALATION
A. Prior to using force, when safe and practical to do so and without compromising law
enforcement objectives, officers shall use de-escalation techniques to attempt to slow
down and/or stabilize a situation to allow for more time, options, and resources for
incident resolution. De -escalation techniques may include, but are not limited to:
1. Mitigating the immediacy of the threat by containing or reducing exposure by
moving to a safer position;
2. Establishing communication from a safe position;
3. Use of verbal techniques to promote rational decision making;
4. And/or avoidance of physical confrontation, unless immediately