doc_1484844

Policy 511Santa Ana Police Department Custody Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/04/15, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police Department***DRAFT*** Use of Force - 1Use of Force 511.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy provides guidelines on the reasonable use of force. While there is no way to specify the exact amount or type of reasonable force to be applied in any situation, every member of this department is expected to use these guidelines to make such decisions in a professional, impartial, and reasonable manner (Government Code § 7286; 15 CCR 1029(a)(3)). In addition to those methods, techniques, and tools set forth below, the guidelines for the reasonable application of force contained in this policy shall apply to all policies addressing the potential use of force, including but not limited to the Conducted Energy Device, Use of Restraints, and Electronic Restraints policies. Retaliation prohibitions for reporting suspected violations are addressed in the Anti-Retaliation Policy. 511.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: Deadly force - Any use of force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury, including but not limited to the discharge of a firearm (Penal Code § 835a). Feasible - Reasonably capable of being done or carried out under the circumstances to successfully achieve the arrest or lawful objective without increasing risk to the correctional officer or another person (Government Code § 7286(a)). Force - The application of physical techniques or tactics, chemical agents, or weapons to another person. It is not a use of force when individuals allow themselves to be searched, escorted, handcuffed, or restrained. Force team technique - The force team technique ordinarily involves trained members clothed in protective gear who enter the incarcerated person's area in tandem, each with a specific task, to achieve immediate control of the incarcerated person. Serious bodily injury - A serious impairment of physical condition, including but not limited to the following: loss of consciousness; concussion; bone fracture; protracted loss or impairment of function of any bodily member or organ; a wound requiring extensive suturing; and serious disfigurement (Penal Code § 243(f)(4)). Totality of the circumstances - All facts known to the correctional officer at the time, including the conduct of the correctional officer and the individual leading up to the use of force (Penal Code § 835a). 511.2 POLICY The use of force is a matter of critical concern, both to the public and to the public safety community. Members are involved on a daily basis in numerous and varied interactions and, when warranted, may use reasonable force in carrying out their duties. Santa Ana Police Department Custody Manual Use of Force Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/04/15, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police Department***DRAFT*** Use of Force - 2Members must have an understanding of, and true appreciation for, their authority and limitations. This is especially true with respect to overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance of public safety duties. The Santa Ana Police Department recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone. Vesting members with the authority to use reasonable force and to protect the public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation, and a careful balancing of all interests. 511.2.1 FAIR AND UNBIASED USE OF FORCE Correctional officers are expected to carry out their duties, including the use of force, in a manner that is fair and unbiased (Government Code § 7286(b)). 511.3 USE OF FORCE Authorized members shall use only that amount of force that reasonably appears necessary given the facts and totality of the circumstances known to or perceived by the member at the time of the event to accomplish a legitimate government purpose such as to gain control of the individual; protect and ensure the safety of incarcerated persons, members, and others; prevent serious property damage; prevent escape; obtain compliance with facility rules and member orders; or to ensure the institution's security and good order (Penal Code § 835a). The reasonableness of force will be judged from the perspective of a reasonable member on the scene at the time of the incident. Any evaluation of reasonableness must allow for the fact that members are often forced to make split-second decisions about the amount of force that reasonably appears necessary in a particular situation, with limited information and in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving. Given that no policy can realistically predict every possible situation a member might encounter, members are entrusted to use well-reasoned discretion in determining the appropriate use of force in each incident. Members may only use a level of force that they reasonably believe is proportional to the seriousness of the suspected offense or the reasonably perceived level of actual or threatened resistance (Government Code § 7286(b)). It is also recognized that circumstances may arise in which members reasonably believe that it would be impractical or ineffective to use any of the approved or authorized tools, weapons, or methods provided by this department. Members may find it more effective or reasonable to improvise their response to rapidly unfolding conditions that they are confronting. In such circumstances, the use of any improvised device or method must nonetheless be objectively reasonable and utilized only to the degree that reasonably appears necessary to accomplish a legitimate government purpose. While the ultimate objective of every encounter is to avoid or minimize injury, nothing in this policy requires a member to retreat or be exposed to possible physical injury before