Use Of Force In The Phoenix Police Department

One of the most controversial aspects of police work comes about in the phoenix police department operational orders 1.5, Use of force. Reasonable amount of force to conduct lawful public safety activities. Force typically depends on what is reasonable as well as the totality of circumstances. Employees who are involved in use of force must be a able to articulate it actions and explain their actions through reports and memorandums. Such reasonableness may include severity of the crime, whether the subject poses a threat to the officer or public, and whether the subject is actively resisting arrest or attempting to flee arrest. An important concept involved with use of force is the officer’s ability to escalate and de escalate the situation.
Employees will direct a one second burst from approximately twelve to fifteen feet away from the subject. Another type of force involves electronic control devices, such as a Taser. Employees should avoid using such force against subjects who are pregnant, elderly subjects, young children, and handcuffed prisoners. Employees may deploy a taser on animals who pose an immediate threat to officer or the public. Like all types of force, the number of cycles should only be the number reasonably necessary to control a subject. When deploying a taser, an officer should aim for the center mass of the back, if not able, an officer will then aim for the sides of a subject or the subject’s lower front torso. The groin area will never be intentionally targeted. The preferred range of deployment is nine to eighteen feet. Paramedics will be requested for probes that penetrate the skin or clothing and a supervisor will be notified and report to the
When striking the face and head, only use closed fist, open palm, elbow strikes. As well as to avoid violent attacks. Impact weapons, such as batons, may be used when facing active aggressive resistance. When using impact weapons, employees will aim for large muscle groups and nerves to avoid permanent injury. Although flashlights are not made as an impact weapons, however, may be used if necessary. As well, canines may be deployed when public or officer safety is threatened. Another type of force may be used when using stunbag shotguns. This type of force can be used when distance is necessary to maintain officer safety, or is subject is threating danger to oneself or others. The optimal range for such weapon is between five and twenty feet. Officers should not aim for ad, spine, thorax, or neck. A direct hands on use of force involves the Carotid control technique, which should only be used during active aggression or who are a danger to self or others. If subject becomes unconscious during such technique officer will handcuff and check for vital signs, then immediately call the paramedics. Supervisor will be notified and respond to the