(10/16/02) (06/01/12) (07/28/16)
(A-D)
A. Threatening the Use of Force
As an alternative and/or the precursor to the actual use of force, MPD officers shall consider verbally announcing their intent to use force, including displaying an authorized weapon as a threat of force, when reasonable under the circumstances. The threatened use of force shall only occur in situations that an officer reasonably believes may result in the authorized use of force. This policy shall not be construed to authorize unnecessarily harsh language. (08/17/07) (07/28/16)
B. De-escalation
Whenever reasonable according to MPD policies and training, officers shall use de-escalation tactics to gain voluntary compliance and seek to avoid or minimize use of physical force. (06/01/12) (07/28/16)
1. When safe and feasible, officers shall:
a. Attempt to slow down or stabilize the situation so that more time, options and resources are available.
i. Mitigating the immediacy of threat gives officers more time to call additional officers or specialty units and to use other resources.
ii. The number of officers on scene may make more force options available and may help reduce overall force used.
b. Consider whether a subject’s lack of compliance is a deliberate attempt to resist or an inability to comply based on factors including, but not limited to:
• Medical conditions
• Mental impairment
• Developmental disability
• Physical limitation
• Language barrier
• Influence of drug or alcohol use
• Behavioral crisis
Such consideration, when time and circumstances reasonably permit, shall then be balanced against incident facts when deciding which tactical options are the most appropriate to resolve the situation safely.
2. De-escalation tactics include, but are not limited to:
• Placing barriers between an uncooperative subject and an officer.
• Containing a threat.
• Moving from a position that exposes officers to potential threats to a safer position.
• Reducing exposure to a potential threat using distance, cover or concealment.
• Communication from a safe position intended to gain the subject’s compliance, using verbal persuasion, advisements or warnings.
• Avoidance of physical confrontation, unless immediately necessary (e.g. to protect someone or stop dangerous behavior).
• Using verbal techniques to calm an agitated subject and promote rational decision making.
• Calling additional resources to assist, including more officers, CIT officers and officers equipped with less-lethal tools.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.