Prohibited Use of Force
- Force shall not be used by an officer for the following reasons:
- To extract an item from the anus or vagina of a subject without a warrant, except in exigent circumstances.
- To coerce a confession from a subject in custody.
- To obtain blood, saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids or cells for scientific testing without a court order where required.
- Against persons who are handcuffed or restrained, unless it is necessary to prevent injury, escape, or overcome active or passive resistance.
- Carotid Restraint / Choke Holds (“Sleeper Hold”)
- Officers shall not use any form of a chokehold or similar restraint unless the use of deadly force is authorized by Article 35 of the Penal Law and department policy.
- Medical Attention After Use of Force
- If an officer’s use of physical force results in injury, they must provide immediate and adequate medical attention as soon as the situation allows.
- Documentation of Use of Force
- Any use of physical force or a non-lethal weapon must be documented in:
- An SJS Incident Report
- A Use of Force Report
- Reporting Process:
- Completed reports must be forwarded to a Captain or Sergeant for review and approval.
- Reports are then submitted to the Chief of Police.
- Any use of physical force or a non-lethal weapon must be documented in:
- Reports Must Include:
- Type and amount of force used.
- Circumstances that necessitated the use of physical force.
- Medical attention requested, required, and provided.