Appropriate Use of Force Policy

NOTICE: This is a policy proposal and is still in the drafting stage.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of force by employees of Tech Stop. The policy is designed to ensure that employees use force only when necessary and that they use the least amount of force necessary to achieve a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

Policy

Employees may only use force that is objectively reasonable given the facts and totality of the circumstances known to or perceived by the employee at the time of the event. The amount of force used must be proportional to the seriousness of the suspected offense or the reasonably perceived level of actual or threatened resistance.

Employees may use force to:

• Effect a lawful arrest, detention, or search
• Overcome resistance or prevent escape
• Prevent the commission of a public offense
• Defend others or in self-defense
• Gain compliance with a lawful order
• Protect property

Employees shall not use force against a person based on the danger that person poses to himself/herself, if an objectively reasonable citizen would believe the person does not pose an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the employee or to another person.

Employees shall not use deadly force unless it is reasonably necessary to:

• Defend the employee or other persons from an imminent threat of death or great bodily injury
• Prevent an escape from custody
• Stop acts such as riots or arson that constitute an immediate jeopardy to institutional security and, because of their magnitude, are likely to result in escapes, great bodily injury, or the death of other persons
• Dispose of seriously injured or dangerous animals when no other disposition is practical

Reporting Requirements

Employees shall report all incidents involving the use of force to their supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor shall investigate the incident and determine whether the use of force was justified. If the use of force was not justified, the supervisor shall take appropriate disciplinary action.

Training

Employees shall receive annual training on the appropriate use of force. The training shall cover the following topics:

• The legal standards for the use of force
• The different types of force that may be used
• The techniques for using force safely and effectively
• The procedures for reporting incidents involving the use of force
• De-escalation

Employees shall use de-escalation techniques whenever possible to avoid the use of force. De-escalation techniques include:

• Using a calm and respectful tone of voice
• Actively listening to the person
• Avoiding threats or insults
• Trying to understand the person's point of view
• Offering to help the person

Documentation

Employees shall document all incidents involving the use of force. The documentation shall include:

• The date, time, and location of the incident
• The name of the employee involved
• The name of the person against whom force was used
• A description of the incident
• The type of force used
• The reason for using force
• The outcome of the incident

Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure that it is consistent with applicable law and to reflect any changes in law or practice.

Conclusion

This policy is intended to provide employees with clear guidelines for the use of force. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.