Pasco Sheriff's Office Use of Force Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is one example of active resistance?

The subject refuses to take his hands out of his pockets.

The subject points a gun at the deputy.

The subject pushes a member away when touched. (correct)

The subject approaches the member with a fist.

Which situation constitutes aggressive resistance?

A subject physically anchors himself to an object.

A subject attempts to run when grabbed by a member.

A subject refuses to comply with a verbal order.

A subject balls up his fist and approaches the member. (correct)

What defines deadly force resistance?

The subject tries to escape after being touched.

The subject argues verbally with the member.

The subject complies with orders but maintains a defensive posture.

The subject engages in movements that indicate intent to cause serious harm. (correct)

What should members prioritize when responding to a situation?

Finding a resolution with the amount of force reasonably necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of aggressive resistance?

Making attacking movements without a weapon. Signup and view all the answers

What type of resistance is illustrated when a subject refuses to drop a weapon when ordered?

Deadly Force Resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which response style is effective in many situations before resorting to physical force?

Utilizing command presence and verbal communication. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the action of a subject physically anchoring himself to prevent removal?

Active resistance Signup and view all the answers

What must a member do after using non-deadly force against a subject?

Photograph any visible injuries to the suspect Signup and view all the answers

When is a member required to document the use of force incidents?

When multiple incidents occur during a continuous event Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a responsibility of the immediate supervisor following a use of force incident?

Make public announcements regarding the incident Signup and view all the answers

What defines the point of custody in relation to use of force incidents?

When the subject is physically taken into custody until another deputy takes over Signup and view all the answers

What should a member do if an incident involving use of force results in injuries?

Immediately inform the on-duty supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is required of agencies regarding the handling of use of force documentation?

All documentation must be submitted electronically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key part of the Use of Force packet created by a supervisor?

Required documentation regarding the incident Signup and view all the answers

What action is not appropriate for a member after a use of force incident involving injuries?

Attributing the cause of injuries solely to the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes intent in the context of perceived threats?

A perceived imminent threat based on various indicators. Signup and view all the answers

What is required when a member uses force in official capacity?

An Offense/Incident Report and a Use of Force Report. Signup and view all the answers

When is physical force considered to be used during compliance?

When physically forcing a resisting person's hands for handcuffing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a condition for using reasonable force under an ex parte Baker Act order?

The member must have reasonable belief that the subject is present. Signup and view all the answers

Multiple Use of Force Reports need to be generated when:

A single member uses force against multiple subjects. Signup and view all the answers

What scenario would necessitate completing a Use of Force Report?

Pointing a firearm at a person to gain compliance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions does NOT constitute a use of physical force?

Applying handcuffs to a compliant individual. Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented for multiple uses of force against the same subject?

A single Offense/Incident Report and Use of Force Report. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of less lethal impact munitions?

To incapacitate a violent subject with minimal potential for injury Signup and view all the answers

Who is authorized to use less lethal impact munitions?

Only members trained in their deployment Signup and view all the answers

What must members do before using less lethal impact munitions?

Provide a verbal warning about the munitions type Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes deadly force according to the provided content?

Force likely to cause death or great bodily harm Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances can chokeholds be used?

Only when deadly force is permitted by law Signup and view all the answers

What is required after the deployment of less lethal impact munitions?

Notification of the bureau commander through proper channels Signup and view all the answers

What does not constitute deadly force?

Using a tool that can incapacitate a subject Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true regarding the perception of threat and deadly force?

It may be the first and only appropriate response to perceived imminent danger. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a law enforcement officer to be considered certified?

Successful completion of a state certification program Signup and view all the answers

Which training related to firearm usage is mandatory for certified officers?

Annual proficiency demonstration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of weapon is NOT permitted for use by agency members?

Less-lethal weapons not authorized by the Sheriff’s Office Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does the Training Section have regarding firearms?

To ensure inspections are conducted before weapons are issued Signup and view all the answers

What must all certified officers carry while on or off duty?

An authorized firearm Signup and view all the answers

How does the agency ensure the safety of firearms in use?

By immediately removing unsafe or malfunctioning weapons from service Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the use of force guidelines outlined by the Pasco Sheriff's Office?

To establish guidelines and reporting requirements for using force Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement regarding less-lethal weapons training?

It must be conducted by an agency-approved instructor Signup and view all the answers

What document must all certified members receive?

A copy of the General Order Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is a member allowed to use force according to the guidelines?

In self-defense or defense of another person Signup and view all the answers

What principle defines appropriate force according to the guidelines?

Objective reasonableness as defined in Graham v. Connor Signup and view all the answers

According to the use of force guidelines, when should an officer not retreat or desist from making a lawful arrest?

When there is resistance or threatened resistance Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'objective reasonableness' refer to in the context of the use of force?

The amount of force necessary to perform official duties Signup and view all the answers

What should members be able to do after using force in a situation?

Accurately describe actions leading to the need for force Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following restrictions is mentioned regarding members making an arrest?

Members must have appropriate training and authorization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for using force as specified in the guidelines?

Forcing compliance without any threat Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pasco Sheriff's Office Use of Force Order

Title: Use of Force
General Order: 1.5
Effective Date: January 9, 2023
Supersedes: July 22, 2022
Accreditation Standards: CFA 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 15.15, 15.21
Pages: 16
Purpose: To establish guidelines and reporting requirements for the use of force by Pasco Sheriff's Office members
Scope: Applies to all authorized members using force in their official capacity
Discussion: Primary goal is protecting human life. Force is limited to situations involving resistance, defense against assaults, or completing official duties.
Policy: Force should not be used indiscriminately or without cause. Objective reasonableness (Graham v. Connor) defines appropriate force as necessary to perform official duties.

Procedure (General)

Members: Use only necessary force to conduct official duties. Do not use force unless necessary in self-defense, other's defense, overcoming resistance, or preventing escape.
Certification: Members must complete required law enforcement or correctional state certification program, or be in field training, and demonstrate annual firearm proficiency.
Training: Receive training concerning arrest, use of force, and first aid. Members must have received a copy of this General Order.
Weapons: Only agency-approved weapons, firearms, and ammunition are permitted for on- or off-duty use. Any available tools can be used in emergency.
Officer Duties: Certified officers must carry authorized firearms.
Written Specifications: Training section maintains written specifications for all authorized firearms and ammunition.

Force Guidelines

Framework: Guidelines outline constitutional considerations and case law to provide a framework for reasonable force decisions.
Factors: Four factors determining appropriate force levels:
Severity of the crime
Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat
Whether the suspect resists
Whether the suspect attempts to flee
Levels of Resistance:
Passive resistance: Refusal to comply with lawful directions.
Active resistance: Physically evasive movements.
Aggressive resistance: Attacking movements possibly causing injury.
Deadly force resistance: Attacking movements, with or without weapons, indicating intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.

Member Response Options

Verbal/Nonverbal: Try to diffuse situations with verbal communication.
Force Types: Physical control techniques are possible response options.
Use of non-lethal weapons.
Deadly force.

Reporting & Investigating Use of Force Incidents

Purpose: To document all uses of force, including those involving multiple subjects or defendants within the same incident. If more than one incident occurs during the same incident, the documentation of the entire occurrence will be on a single report.
Reporting: Reports (incident/use of force) must be submitted when force is used to gain compliance or a firearm is utilized.
Supervisory Review: Use of force incidents require immediate notification to the supervisor, and details should be recorded in Offense and Use of Force reports.

Psychological Intervention

Purpose: Provides a post-traumatic evaluation.
Timeline: Immediate three-day administrative leave with a follow-up session within 60 days.

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Description

This document outlines the Use of Force Order 1.5 established by the Pasco Sheriff's Office, effective from January 9, 2023. It highlights the importance of protecting human life and delineates the necessary procedures and guidelines for authorized members in the use of force. The policy emphasizes objective reasonableness and restricts the use of force to situations where it is necessary for self-defense or official duties.