41B- Use of Force 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Policy & Procedures Page 1 of 19 Lexington Police Department Subject: Use of Force – Defensive Actions Policy Number: 41B Accreditation Standards: Reference: 1.3.1; 1.3.2; 1.3.3; 1.3.4; 1.3.5, 1.3.6; 1.3.7; 1.3.8; 1.3.9; 1.3.10; 1.3.13 Effective Date: 8/27/16  New  Revised Revision Dates: 1/24/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of MPI Policy 1.01, “Use of Force.” GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES The use of force is a defensive action taken by police officers. Reasonable force shall be used when force is used to accomplish lawful objectives [1.3.1]. Each event of this nature is an issue of great concern to the community, police administration and individual officers. Because of the law enforcement and peacekeeping role, police officers are frequently called upon to take defensive actions to effect arrests and to ensure public safety. An officer's decision, sometimes made in split second life or death situations, is subject to detailed review after-the-fact. The procedures, rules and guidelines outlined in this policy shall limit and control the defensive actions taken by Lexington police officers. When an officer uses force upon a person, that action is irreversible. It is too late to ponder whether or not the action is legally and justifiably correct. On the other hand, an officer who hesitates and acts indecisively is potentially risking injury or death to themselves and/or another person. If a life-threatening situation should arise, then officers must be prepared to act decisively and correctly. The variety and dynamics of police encounters makes it difficult to categorize and define the levels of force appropriate in every situation. However, The Municipal Police Training Committee’s Use of Force Model makes it possible to define and order the levels of defensive actions that an officer will be allowed to use. When an officer determines that a defensive action is necessary and appropriate, he/she shall utilize an escalating level of force as determined by the particular needs of the situation. The rule of thumb to guide an officer is to use the least amount of force necessary to overcome the subject’s level of resistance. When determining what defensive action is appropriate, officers should be guided by the principle that only objectively reasonable force is permissible. Using force