41B- Use of Force 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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41B - Use of Force Policy and Procedures Page 2 of 19 to overcome the unlawful resistance to a legitimate police purpose or to affect the safety of the officer or another is justifiable. The unnecessary or improper use of force cannot be justified. The authority to take defensive actions while serving the community is the most powerful responsibility vested in the police officer by the citizens of Lexington. This authority is based on trust and the understanding that Lexington Police Officers place the highest value on the lives and safety of the public. Consequently, the manner in which a police officer applies force may have significant bearing on the Department's ability to effectively achieve its mission. Reckless or careless acts cause public indignation and erodes citizen trust and support. Without the confidence, respect and cooperation of the community, the total police effort will be seriously handicapped. It is imperative for officers to use the highest level of judgment and professional competence when using force. Police officers will only use deadly force as a means of last resort to protect themselves and others from the immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury. The basic responsibility of police officers to protect life also requires that they exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to the use of deadly force. Although officers must be prepared to use deadly force when necessary, they should always do so with the highest degree of restraint. Consequently, no officer will be disciplined for not using deadly force when it may threaten the life or safety of an innocent person, or if it is not clearly warranted by the policy and rules of this Department. Just as important, no officer will be disciplined for using deadly force in self-defense or in the defense of another when faced with a situation that immediately threatens life or serious bodily injury. Typically, firearms are the primary means through which officers will defend themselves or others using deadly force. However, the unpredictability of police encounters and/or the unavailability of a firearm may make it necessary for an officer to use other means to inflict deadly force. Unless specifically related to the use of firearms, the procedural guidelines in this policy are meant to apply to any use of deadly force.