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New Brighton Department of Public Safety <br />Law Enforcement Policy Manual <br />Use of Force <br />300.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE <br />This policy provides guidelines on the reasonable use of force. While there is no way to specify <br />the exact amount or type of reasonable force to be applied in any situation, every member of this <br />department is expected to use these guidelines to make such decisions in a professional, impartial <br />and reasonable manner. <br />300.1.1 DEFINITIONS <br />Definitions related to this policy include: <br />Deadly force Force which the actor uses with the purpose of causing, or which the actor should <br />reasonably know creates a substantial risk of causing, death or great bodily harm. The intentional <br />discharge of a firearm, other than a firearm loaded with less lethal munitions and used by a peace <br />officer within the scope of official duties, in the the direction of another person, or at a vehicle in <br />which another person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force. "Less lethal munitions means <br />projectiles which are designed to stun, temporarily incapacitate, or cause temporary discomfort to <br />a person. "Peace officer" has the meaning as given in Minnesota Statute section 626.84 Sub. 1. <br />Force - The application of physical techniques or tactics, chemical agents or weapons to another <br />person. It is not a use of force when a person allows him/herself to be searched, escorted, <br />handcuffed or restrained. <br />300.2 POLICY <br />The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the public <br />and to the law enforcement community. Officers are involved on a daily basis in numerous and <br />varied interactions and, when warranted, may use reasonable force in carrying out their duties. <br />Officers must have an understanding of, and true appreciation for, their authority and limitations. <br />This is especially true with respect to overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance <br />of law enforcement duties. <br />The Department recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice <br />to anyone. Vesting officers with the authority to use reasonable force and to protect the public <br />welfare requires monitoring, evaluation and a careful balancing of all interests. <br />300.2.1 DUTY TO INTERCEDE <br />Any officer present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which <br />is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intercede <br />to prevent the use of unreasonable force. An officer who observes another employee use force <br />that exceeds the degree of force permitted by law should promptly report these observations to <br />a supervisor. <br />Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/04/12, All Rights Reserved. Use of Force - 29 <br />Published with permission by New Brighton Department of <br />Public Safety <br />