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Policy 300 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 the exact <br />amount or type of reasonable force to be applied in any situation, every member of this department is <br />expected to use these guidelines to make such decisions in a professional, impartial, and reasonable <br />manner (Minn. Stat. § 626.8452). <br />In addition to those methods, techniques, and tools set forth below, the guidelines for the reasonable <br />application of force contained in this policy shall apply to all policies addressing the potential use of <br />force, including but not limited to the Control Devices and Conducted Energy Device policies. <br />300.1.1 DEFINITIONS <br />Definitions related to this policy include: <br />Deadly force - Force reasonably anticipated and intended to create a substantial likelihood of causing <br />death or very serious injury. <br />Feasible - Reasonably capable of being done or carried out under the circumstances to successfully <br />achieve the arrest or lawful objective without increasing risk to the officer or another person. <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, handcuffed, <br />or restrained. <br />Imminent - Ready to take place; impending. Note that imminent does not mean immediate or <br />instantaneous. <br />Totality of the circumstances - All facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time, taken as a <br />whole, including the conduct of the officer and the subject leading up to the use of force. <br />300.2 POLICY <br />The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the public and to <br />the law enforcement community. Officers are involved on a daily basis in numerous and varied <br />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. This is <br />especially true with respect to overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance of law <br />enforcement duties. <br />The New Brighton Department of Public Safety recognizes and respects the value of all human life and <br />dignity without prejudice to anyone. Vesting officers with the authority to use reasonable force and to <br />protect the public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation, and a careful balancing of all interests. <br />300.2.1 DUTY TO INTERCEDE AND REPORT <br />Any officer present and observing another law enforcement officer or a member using force that is <br />clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to <br />