1. POLICY

Members may use only force that is objectively reasonable based on the facts known at the time. Force shall be used to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, protect life, overcome resistance, prevent escape, or control a lawful detention or arrest.

2. DE-ESCALATION

When safe and feasible, deputies shall use de-escalation. De-escalation may include:
A. Time.
B. Distance.
C. Cover.
D. Calm voice.
E. Clear commands.
F. Calling backup.
G. Less-lethal options.
H. Tactical repositioning.
I. Slowing the scene down.

3. FORCE OPTIONS

Force is not a strict ladder. Deputies may move to the level reasonably needed based on threat.

3.1 OFFICER PRESENCE
Uniformed presence, marked patrol vehicle, and professional command presence.

3.2 VERBAL COMMANDS
Clear directions such as "stop," "show me your hands," "drop the weapon," or "step out of the vehicle."

3.3 SOFT CONTROL
Low-level physical control such as escort holds, hand control, guiding, or handcuffing a cooperative or passively resistant subject.

3.4 HARD CONTROL
Higher-level physical control such as takedowns, strikes, forced movement, or control against active resistance.

3.5 LESS-LETHAL FORCE
Includes TASER, beanbag shotgun, baton, pepper spray if available, and approved impact munitions. Less-lethal does not mean no risk.

3.6 DEADLY FORCE
Deadly force may be used only when the deputy reasonably believes it is necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.

4. PROHIBITED FORCE

Unless deadly force is justified, members shall not:
A. Shoot at vehicles solely because they are fleeing.
B. Use force as punishment.
C. Continue force after control is achieved.
D. Use force for verbal disrespect only.
E. Use weapons without a lawful purpose.

5. DUTY TO INTERVENE

Members shall intervene when another member uses clearly excessive or unlawful force, when safe and feasible.

6. DUTY TO REPORT

Members shall report excessive force, unnecessary force, or policy violations to a supervisor.

7. MEDICAL AID

After force, deputies shall request medical aid when a subject is injured, complains of injury, is struck by less lethal, is exposed to significant force, or requests aid.

8. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

A use of force report is required for:
A. TASER deployment.
B. Beanbag deployment.
C. Baton strike.
D. Firearm discharge.
E. K9 bite.
F. Injury or complaint of injury.
G. Hard takedown causing injury.
H. Any supervisor-directed force report.

9. SUPERVISOR RESPONSE

Supervisors shall respond to significant force, separate involved parties when needed, obtain statements, document injuries, review bodycam if applicable, and forward findings.