An officer who applies force through the use of lethal or less lethal weapons or applies weaponless physical force to overcome a suspect’s resistance shall immediately notify his/her supervisor.
In the case of a weaponless physical force, overcoming resistance to move a suspect’s hands to the handcuffing position with no other technique does not qualify.
What Does the Term “Use of Force” Mean?
According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, use of force is “that amount of effort required by police to compel compliance from an unwilling subject.”
According to Fishers Police Department policy: “Officers are authorized to use department approved, non-deadly force techniques and issued equipment to:
- a. Protect the officer or others from physical harm;
- b. Restrain or subdue a resistant individual; and / or
- c. Bring an unlawful situation safely and effectively under control”
An officer who applies force through the use of lethal or less lethal weapons or applies weaponless physical force to overcome a suspect’s resistance shall immediately notify his/her supervisor.
Common Contributing Factors
More than half of the use of force incidents (55%) involved drugs and/or alcohol. The poor judgment and erratic behavior of intoxicated individuals can increase the likelihood of force needed to be used in an incident.
Jump to another page in this section: