NCJ Number
120725
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This model policy provides police officers with guidelines on the use of deadly and nondeadly force.
Abstract
Police officers must protect the public welfare and balance all human interests involved and should use only as much force as is reasonably needed. Deadly force is any force that is likely to cause death or serious injury, and nondeadly force is any other type of force. Police officers may use deadly force for the following reasons: 1) to protect himself or others from a perceived serious threat, 2) to prevent the escape of a felon believed to be dangerous, 3) to practice on a range or to compete in sporting events, and 4) to destroy an animal which is either dangerous or seriously injured. Officers should draw their weapon only when provoked and should state their intention to shoot whenever feasible. Officers should refrain from firing warning shots, firing at or from a moving vehicle, and should not place innocent persons in jeopardy. Parameters for use of nondeadly force are given, as are training qualifications and recommendations for reporting the use of force.