Topic: Letter of The Law / Use of Force

Let me clarify why I am asking the question that I did. At my facility, line officers are not equipped with tasers, OC spray, batons or anything. Therefore, based on policy, the lowest level of physical force our officers use is hands-on control tactics. Supervisors and specialty officers (court transport, CERT, etc.) may be issued this equipment and they will be the ones to employ it. I am also a member of our CERT team and we are not equipped with many less-lethal munitions (bean bag rounds, Pepperball, etc.)… instead, we are trained in the old riot line formations.

I feel that these hands-on approaches increase the potential for someone to get seriously injured. I believe that if we used less-lethal munitions before going hands-on, we can alleviate or prevent injuries from happening. I want to see if other agencies practice this in their use of force policies.

P.S. When it hits the fan, I’m also doing what I need to do to go home at night. I don’t think anyone will argue that point.

Topic: Letter of The Law / Use of Force

Greetings all,

Forgive me if this has been asked before, but I am looking for all the information I can get on this subject. I am trying to find instances where Use of Force continuums or matrices push for less-lethal devices (Taser, OC spray, Pepperball, etc.) BEFORE hands-on physical intervention by staff. I am interested in seeing how much less injuries to staff and inmates are reported in agencies that operate in this fashion. I would like to know if this is an increasing trend as the field of corrections evolves. If you have any information or know where I could find some, please let me know.

Thanks and be safe!