Policy Text
Appendix A 1 2/11 (REV 11/20 )
Appendix A
I. Examples of Factors Which May Affect an Officer’s Use of Reasonable Force:
A. Number of suspects/officers
B. Suspect factors (age, size, gender, relative strength, skill level)
C. Officer physical condition (injury, exhaustion level)
D. Influence of drugs, alcohol, or mental capacity
E. Proximity to weapons
F. Availability of other options
G. Seriousness of the suspected offense
H. Potential for injury to citizens, officers, and suspects
I. Actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest by flight
J. Prior knowledge or con tact
K. Environmental factors (lighting, footing, traffic, terrain, bodies of water,
hostile crowds)
L. Other exigent circumstances
II. Types of Force Which May Be Applied Include, But Are Not Limited To:
A. Displays of Force – Physical contact may occur, althoug h physical injury is
not likely.
1. Display of impact weapons
2. Display of an electronic control device, display of the electrical arc
or display of the laser
3. Display of chemical weapons
4. Display of firearm
5. Mere presence
6. Canine or mounted presence
7. Voice commands
8. Physical contact: directional touching or physical separation of
persons, absent the use of a compliance hold
B. Application of Force – Force used may or may not cause injury, depending
upon the actions or resistance level of the subject.
1. Use of chemical weapons
2. Use of an electronic control device in probe or drive stun mode
3. Use of restraint devices
4. Use of kicks/punches/strikes/grabs/takedowns
5. Use of carotid constriction – limited to situations of self -defense or
defense of another only
6. Use of control/compliance holds
7. Canine or mounted application
8. Use of vehicles
9. Use of impact weapons, including weapons of ne cessity*
C. Deadly Force – Any force that creates a substantial risk of death or
serious bodily injury.
Appendix A 2 2/11 (REV 11/20 )
1. Empty hands
2. Firearms
3. Impact weapons, including weapons of necessity
4. Vehicles/legal intervention
*In situations of self -defense or defense of another where standard weapons are not
available or practical, officers may use any weapon at hand, if necessary.