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Public Correctional
Correctional agencies administer sanctions and punishments
imposed by courts for unlawful behavior. Assigned to
correctional agencies involuntarily, offenders sometimes resist
authority imposed on them, and may demonstrate violent and
destructive behaviors. Use of illegally authorized force by
correctional authorities may become necessary to maintain
custody, safety, and control.
Policy Statement:
Use of force consists of physical contact with an offender in a
confrontational situation to control behavior and enforce order.
Use of force includes use of restraints (other than for routine
transportation and movement), chemical agents, and weapons.
Force is justified only when required to maintain or regain
control, or when there is imminent danger of personal injury or
serious damage to property. To assure the use of force is
appropriate and justifiable, correctional agencies should:
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A. Establish and maintain policies that require reasonable steps
be taken to reduce or prevent the necessity for the use of force,
that authorize force only when no reasonable alternative is
possible, that permit only the minimum force necessary, and that
prohibit the use of force as a retaliatory or disciplinary measure;
B. Establish and enforce procedures that define the range of methods
for and alternatives to the use of force, and that specify the
conditions under which each is permitted. The procedures must assign
responsibility for authorizing such force, assure appropriate
documentation and supervision of the action;
C. Establish and maintain procedures that limit the use of deadly
force to those instances where it is legally authorized and where
there is an imminent threat to human life or a threat to public
safety that cannot reasonably be prevented by other means;
D. Maintain operating procedures and regular staff training designed
to anticipate, stabilize and defuse situations that might give rise
to conflict, confrontation, and violence;
E. Provide specialized training to ensure competency in all methods
of use of force, especially in methods and equipment requiring
special knowledge and skills such as defensive tactics, weapons,
restraints, and chemical agents; and
F. Establish and maintain procedures that require all incidents
involving the use of force be fully documented and independently
reviewed by a higher correctional authority. A report of the use of
force, including appropriate investigation and any recommendations
for preventive and remedial action, shall be submitted for
administrative review and implementation of recommendations when
appropriate.
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