Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

51020.5 Use of Force Options

• It is the expectation that staff evaluate the totality of circumstances involved in any given situation, to include consideration of an inmate’s demeanor, bizarre behavior, mental health status if known, medical concerns, as well as ability to understand and/or comply with orders, in an effort to determine the best course of action and tactics to resolve the situation. Whenever possible, verbal persuasion should be attempted in an effort to mitigate the need for force. The type of verbal persuasion will vary dependent upon the inmate’s ability to understand. If time permits, verbal orders should be issued prior to resorting to force and are required to be provided before controlled force is used. The unresisted searching or escorting of an inmate/parolee and the unresisted application of authorized restraint equipment is not a use of force. Use of Force options do not have to be utilized in any particular sequence, but should be the force option staff reasonably believes is sufficient. Each force option has specific qualities that should be considered when choosing which option to deploy, including but not limited to: range of effectiveness, level of potential injury, staff safety, deployment methodology, level of threat presented, distance between staff and inmate, number of staff and inmates involved and the inmate’s ability to understand. When responding to or observing an incident involving the use of force, the response supervisor shall assume control of the responders and direct the tactics used to stop the threat. Additionally, the response supervisor shall assess the appropriateness/effectiveness of the force options being deployed ensuring compliance with policy and training. Use of force options include but are not limited to:

  • Chemical agents: Provides staff the ability to use force while maintaining distance.

  • Hand-held batons: The baton is normally issued to custodial staff assigned to positions with direct inmate contact. The baton should not be carried in the extended position unless it is being utilized for the protection of the inmate and/or staff. In controlled use of force, the baton is intended for the defense of staff and to assist in gaining control of the inmate.

  • Physical strength and holds: Any deliberate physical contact, using any part of the body to overcome conscious resistance, is considered physical force. A choke hold or any other physical restraint which prevents the person from swallowing or breathing shall not be used unless the use of deadly force would be authorized.

  • Less-lethal weapons: A less lethal weapon is any weapon that is not likely to cause death. A 37mm or 40mm launcher and any other weapon used to fire less-lethal projectiles is a less lethal weapon.

  • Lethal weapons: A firearm is a lethal weapon because it is used to fire lethal projectiles. A lethal weapon is any weapon that is likely to result in death.