Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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4.3 Use of Force
4.3.1 Use of Force (Revised: 6/5/23 )
INTERIM POLICY
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 d ecisions in a professional, impartial
and reasonable manner.
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 objectively reasonable force in carrying out their
duties.
Officers must have an understanding of , and true appreciation for, their authority and limitations
of such authority. This is especially true with respect to dealing with non -compliant and/or
resistive subjects while engaged in the performance of law enforcement duties.
Officers are expected to carry out their duties, including the use of force, in a manner that is fair
and unbiased.
The Department recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice
to anyone. Vesting officers with the authority to use objectiv ely reasonable force and to protect
the public safety and welfare requires monitoring, evaluation and a careful balancing of all
interests.
This policy also provides requirements for the approval, training and carrying of firearms and
control devices/tec hniques.
The provisions contained in this Chapter are for the internal use of the University of California
Police Departments and shall not be construed to create a higher standard or duty of care for civil
or criminal liability against the University, it s officials or members. Violations of any provision of
any policy contained within this manual shall only form the basis for department administrative
action, training or discipline.
A. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
1. Active Resistance : The subject is intentionally and unlawfully opposing the lawful
order of a peace officer in a physical manner; Examples may include bracing,
tensed muscles, interlo cked arms/legs, pushing, kicking, breaching police lines,
pushing over police barricades, running away or other actions to evade or escape
etc.
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Police Department General Orders
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2. Assaultive Resistance : A form of Active Resistance where the subject uses
aggressive or combative behavior t o attempt, threaten, or commit a violent injury
on an officer or other person.
3. Chemical Agents : Devices utilized by law enforcement agencies, which may
include CS, CN, oleoresin capsicum (OC), and HC.
4. Compliant : A person contacted by an officer who acknowledges direction or
lawful orders given and offers no non -verbal/verbal, passive/active, or assaultive
resistance.
5. Conducted Energy Device (CED) : A CED is a device designed to use electrical
energy to induce pain in drive stun mode or to immobili ze or incapacitate a person
in probe mode thus enabling officers to gain control of a subject.
6. Control Devices : The application of devices intended to assist peace officers in
gaining control of subjects who refuse to submit to lawful authority. This m ay
include batons, Conducted Energy Device (CED), oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray,
chemical agents, restraints, projectile devices, and kinetic energy devices (KE).
7. Control Strikes : Impact -oriented strikes with personal body weapons such as
knees, elbows, hands or fists, and feet.
8. 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(e)(1).
9. De-escalation : De -escalation is the process of using strategies and techniques
intended to decrease the intensity of the situation.
10. Extreme Agitation : Agitation so severe that the person can be dangerous to
themselves or others.
11. Firearm : A device, designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled
through a barrel, a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of
combustion. Penal Code § 16520(a) .
12. Force : The application of physical force, chemical agents or weapons to another
person. It is not a use of fo rce when a subject allows themselves to be searched,
escorted, handcuffed or restrained. The mere application of a control hold while
handcuffing a compliant subject without application of pain is not considered use
of force and does not need to be reporte d.
13. Kinetic Energy Projectile : See Projectile Devices.
14. Non-Verbal and Verbal Non -Compliance : The subject expresses intentions not to
comply through verbal and/or non -verbal means. Statements by a subject ranging
from pleading to physical threats may be encountered. This also includes physical
gestures, stances, and observable mannerisms.
15. Non-Compliant : The subject refuses to comply with officer’s lawful commands or
cooperate with an officer’s directions. Includes passive resistance where subject
uses dead weight to prevent being taken into custody. Examples include subjects
who remain in a sitting, standing, limp or prone position without holding on to
fixed objects or other persons in an attempt to delay or resist arrest.
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Police Department General Orders
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16. Officer : For the purpose of this order, “Officer” shall refer to sworn personnel
authorized to