It's called the force continuum triangle. It is standard in departmental policies. PEPPER SPRAY IS NOT MINIMAL FORCE!
USE OF FORCE IN ASCENDING ORDER: The use of force continuum is described
below in ascending order from the least severe to the most severe measures. Whenever
possible, an officer should exhaust every reasonable means of employing the minimum
amount of force before escalating to a more severe level of force, except where the officer
reasonably believes that lesser means would not be adequate in a particular situation and the
use of force is necessary to accomplish his lawful objective or to protect himself or another
from serious physical injury or death. Conversely, officers must never overlook the
possibility of force de-escalation when appropriate.
A. (LESS LETHAL) FORCE: (Revised July 15,2009)
1. Presence/Appearance: The image that an officer conveys can in many cases
influence the outcome of the situation. The officer should be neat and wellgroomed. He should be mindful of body language, always maintaining the
highest level of vigilance.
2. Verbal Communication: Effective verbal communication can many times
reduce or manage anxious, aggressive, or violent behavior. The appropriate
use of verbal persuasion can in some cases prevent and or minimize the need
for physical force.
3. Initial (Light) Physical Tactics: This application is appropriate when the
subjects physical resistance is minor, not hazardous, and can be easily
controlled. Examples of this are guiding a cooperative subject into a
handcuffing position, out of a vehicle, or into another room.
4. Defensive/Physical Tactics: This is the use of appropriate physical strength
or hand control normally required to overcome passive or defensive
resistance that is not intended as an act of overt aggression toward the officer
when an individual refuses to comply with verbal instructions.
5 Electronic Control Weapons (TASER): A Less lethal weapon that as a
compliance technique, an ECW may be used as a countermeasure designed
to counter the subject’s enhanced degree of resistance. These tactics could
include the Control and Restraint techniques, Takedowns, Pressure Points
and Distraction Techniques. Using the TASER in a DRIVE STUN mode
would be justified as a Compliant Technique. (New July 15, 2009)USE OF FORCE OPS-6.11
TRURO POLICE DEPARTMENT MANUAL 4
A less lethal weapon as a defensive tactic, an ECW may be used as a
countermeasure designed to counter the subject’s perceived non-lethal
assault on the officer or others, regain control, and assure continued
compliance. When firing the TASER, it would be considered a Defensive
Tactics tool with the goal of stopping an Assaultive (Bodily Harm)
Subject. This may only be used in accordance with department approved
training. See Attachment B. (Revised July 15,2009)
6. Chemical Substance (Sabre Red OC Spray (ECW Compliant)): Chemical
substances should not be used if resistance is minor and not hazardous, or if
light physical tactics would achieve the same end. Chemical substances
may be used in self defense or defense of another. They may also be used to
subdue a person who physically resists arrest or to discourage persons
engaged in violent, or more than passive resistance conduct. They may be
utilized with the subject who resists initial physical contact, shows signs of
imminent physical resistance, or when a physical confrontation would be
necessary in self defense or in defense of another. The utilization of chemical
substances may not be appropriate if such use could affect innocent
bystanders particularly children. This may only be used in accordance with
department approved training. (Revised Sept 20, 2007)
6. Physical Tactics/Impact Weapon (ASP): This is the impact weapon
(expandable baton/ASP), which, after an evaluation of the circumstances,
is used in self-defense or in defense of another. This should be used when
the subject is assault and combative, and where other means or uses of
force may not work. The use of force continuum should be constantly
evaluated. This may only be used in accordance with department approved
training. (Revised Sept 20, 2007)
7. Less lethal Weaponry (beanbag weapon): This weapon fires a drag
stabilized beanbag round which, after an evaluation of the circumstances,
is used in self-defense or in defense of another. This should be used when
the subject is assault and combative, and where other means or uses of
force may not work. The use of force continuum should be constantly
evaluated. Generally, use of this weapon is justified at the same level as
the baton or ASP. This may only be used in accordance with department
approved training....
http://www.truropolice.org/On%20Line%20Manuals/Use%20of%20Force.pdf
