Los Angeles Police Department Use Of Force Tactics Directive 15 (PDF)

LL OO SS AA NN GG EE LL EE SS PP OO LL II CC EE DD EE PP AA RR TT M M EE NN TT USE OF FORCE-TACTICS DIRECTIVE Directive No. 15 August 2015 TRANSPORTING WOUNDED OFFICERS PURPOSE In most instances, an officer injured on duty and in need of immediate emergency treatment should be transported by a Re...

LL OO SS AA NN GG EE LL EE SS PP OO LL II CC EE DD EE PP AA RR TT M M EE NN TT USE OF FORCE-TACTICS DIRECTIVE Directive No. 15 August 2015 TRANSPORTING WOUNDED OFFICERS PURPOSE In most instances, an officer injured on duty and in need of immediate emergency treatment should be transported by a Rescue Ambulance (RA). However, under certain circumstances, if waiting for an RA could cause further harm or delay immediate lifesaving treatment, the injured officer may be transported in a police vehicle equipped to respond Code-3 to the nearest trauma center. Note: Immediate emergency refers to injuries caused by penetrating gunshots or stabbings to the head, neck, torso, major arteries, and/or any injury officers deem that the loss of life is imminent without the intervention of a trauma surgeon at a trauma center. PROCEDURES Officers should use their experience, discretion, knowledge of the situation and surrounding environment to determine if the need for transportation is immediate. Some factors to consider in deciding whether to transport are:    Time and proximity to the nearest trauma center Waiting for an RA will delay immediate lifesaving treatment Transportation in a police vehicle will not aggravate the injuries Additionally, officers must consider the threat to public safety prior to leaving the scene of the incident. If the decision is made to transport the officer in lieu of waiting for an RA, officers must:      Utilize a police vehicle that is equipped with emergency equipment (forward facing red light and siren) to transport the injured officer; Transport to a trauma center; Advise Communications Division via radio they will be responding Code-3, their destination and nature of the injury; Request that Communications Division notify the trauma center that the officers will be transporting, the nature of the injury, and the estimated time of arrival; and, Notify the watch commander, who will make appropriate notifications. Use of Force —Tactics Directive No. 15 Transporting Wounded Officers Page 2 CONCLUSION The key factors officers must consider in deciding whether to transport are time -and proximity to the nearest trauma center. Officers must be aware of the locations of trauma centers in their areas so that if the need arises, lifesaving treatment for a wounded officer is not delayed. Points to Consider • • • Time and proximity to the nearest trauma center Will waiting for an RA delay immediate lifesaving treatment Will transportation in a police vehicle aggravate the injuries Will leaving the scene cause a threat to public safety Important Reminder Deviation from these basic concepts sometimes occurs due to the fluid and rapidly evolving nature of law enforcement encounters and the environment in which they occur. Deviations may range from minor, typically procedural or technical, to substantial deviations from Department tactical training. Any deviations are to be explained by the involved officer(s), and justification for substantial deviation from Department tactical training shall be articulated and must meet the objectively reasonable standard of the Department's Use of Force policy. CHARLIE BECK Chief of Police DISTRIBUTION "A"