Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco Police
Department General Orders
1
4.3 Use of Force
4.3.21 Carotid Control Hold (Revised : 2/6/25 )
INTERIM POLICY
A. Prohibition
UCSF Police Department personnel are prohibited from using the carotid control hold or
any other such method that temporarily disrupt s the flow of blood to the brain for the
purpose of incapacitat ing an individual.
B. Post-application Assistance
Although use of the carotid hold is unauthorized , there may be situations in which a UCSF
Police officer witnesses a member of the public or another agency applying a carotid hold
or other similar technique on an individual.
When witnessing such an incident, the officer shall ensure that the person promptly
receives medical attention and he/she is monitored until attended to . The use of the carotid
control hold by a member of the public or another agency shall be thoroughly documented
by the officer in any related reports.