Policy Text
POLICY
142.0ANIMALS (USE OF DEADLY FORCE)
REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson
4/2019
A.POLICY
Officers of the El Portal Police Department are not expected to expose themselves or
others to unnecessary and unreasonable risk of serious injury by attack from a vicious or
dangerous animal. It is the policy of the El Portal Police Department that when officers
are engaged in the performance of their duty, and are confronted by a vicious or
dangerous animal, deadly force may be used as a last resort when officers have
reasonable belief that deadly force action is required.
B.GUIDELINES:
Deadly force may only be used against vicious or dangerous animals:
1.As a last resort to prevent substantial harm to officers or other persons.
2.After all reasonable efforts to contain the animal have failed and the escape of the
animal presents a real threat of substantial harm to officers or the public in
general.
3.Officers must consider the proximity of the animal and the surrounding conditions
prior to using deadly force.
C.REPORTING:
1.The officer using the force will notify a unit supervisor. The supervisor will
respond and take charge of the scene.
2.The supervisor on the scene shall:
a.Insure that an offense report is written. The report shall completely detail
the incident.
b.Assign a Department member to complete an offense report detailing the
incident and use of force. The report will indicate whether consent of the
animal's owner was obtained and will note the owner's name and address.
c.Insure that all Department members present during the incident prepare
supplement reports.
d.Determine if statements from the animal's owner and witnesses should be
taken.
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e.Determine if any laws or ordinances were violated by the animal's owner,
and insure appropriate enforcement action is initiated (i.e. arrest, NTA,
referral to City Prosecutor).
f.Insure that photographs are taken of the scene.
3.Distribution
a.A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police or his/her
designee prior to the end of the officer's shift.
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