Use of Force
The levels of force officers may use and what each requires.
Levels
- Presence and commands: the officer's presence and clear verbal instructions.
- Soft control: guiding, holding or restraining.
- Less-lethal force: tools such as a taser.
- Deadly force: only against an immediate threat of death or serious injury.
Principles
- Use the lowest level that works.
- Reduce force as soon as the threat ends.
- Give medical aid after force is used.
- Report every use of force.