Show All Answers

1. Is de-escalation required by PPD officers?

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure directs officers to use de-escalation when reasonable under the totality of circumstances.

The officers are trained in de-escalation and regularly train on the application.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

E.  De-Escalation

When reasonable under the totality of circumstances, officers should gather information about the incident, assess the risks, assemble resources, attempt to slow momentum and communicate and coordinate a response. In their interaction with subjects, officers should use advisements, warnings, verbal persuasion, and other tactics and alternatives to higher levels of force. Officers should recognize that they may withdraw to a position that is tactically more secure or allows them greater distance in order to consider or deploy a greater variety of Force Options. Officers shall perform their work in a manner that avoids unduly jeopardizing their own safety or the safety of others through poor tactical decisions. 

As a good practice, supervisors will acknowledge and respond to incidents in a timely manner where law enforcement use of force is probable. Supervisors should possess a good knowledge of tactics and ensure that officers under their supervision perform to a standard.

Authorized Force Tools, Description, Requirements, Uses and Considerations

• Presence and verbal communication

Level of Control – Low-Level Force

Approved Use:

Officers will, when and to the extent reasonably possible, attempt to use verbal communication skills to control subjects before resorting to physical control methods.

2. Do PPD Officers use body worn cameras?

The Department is the first department in the area to deploy body cameras to all patrol officers, and has been using dash cameras on patrol cars since 2000.

Pasco Police Patrol Policy

41.3.8 AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT

Body Worn Camera

• POLICY

It is the policy of the Pasco Police Department that officers shall activate the BWC when such use is appropriate to the proper performance of his or her official duties, where the recordings are consistent with this policy and law. This policy does not govern the use of surreptitious recording devices used in undercover operations.

3. Are PPD Officers required to provide warnings before using deadly force?

The Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure directs officers to use advisements in an effort to de-escalate a situation.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

Use of Force Model

D.  Levels of Control (see Use of Force Model)

3.  Deadly Force

Parameters for Use of Deadly Force

An officer may use deadly force upon another person only when it is objectively reasonable to:

1. Protect themselves or others from what is reasonably believed to be an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury;
2. Prevent the escape of a fleeing felon who the officer has probable cause to believe has committed a violent felony crime and is an imminent threat to human life if escape should occur. Officers will give some warning, if feasible, prior to the use of deadly force. Example:  “Police!  Stop, or I will shoot!”

Use of Force Procedure

E.  De-Escalation

When reasonable under the totality of circumstances, officers should gather information about the incident, assess the risks, assemble resources, attempt to slow momentum and communicate and coordinate a response. In their interaction with subjects, officers should use advisements, warnings, verbal persuasion, and other tactics and alternatives to higher levels of force. Officers should recognize that they may withdraw to a position that is tactically more secure or allows them greater distance in order to consider or deploy a greater variety of Force Options. Officers shall perform their work in a manner that avoids unduly jeopardizing their own safety or the safety of others through poor tactical decisions. 

As a good practice, supervisors will acknowledge and respond to incidents in a timely manner where law enforcement use of force is probable. Supervisors should possess a good knowledge of tactics and ensure that officers under their supervision perform to a standard.

Authorized Force Tools, Description, Requirements, Uses and Considerations

Presence and verbal communication

Level of Control – Low-Level Force

Approved Use:

Officers will, when and to the extent reasonably possible, attempt to use verbal communication skills to control subjects before resorting to physical control methods.

4. Do PPD Officers have a duty to intervene?

Pasco Police Officers have a duty to intervene when they observe another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances. They must also report to a supervisor.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

Use of Force Procedure

Duty to intervene

Any officer present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, safely intercede to prevent the use of such excessive force. Officers shall promptly report these observations to a supervisor.  

5. Does the PPD ban shooting at moving vehicles?

Pasco Police Officers are not authorized to discharge a firearm either at or from a moving vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary to protect against the imminent threat of life of the officer or others.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

Authorized Force Tools, Description, Requirements, Uses and Considerations

Use of Force with a firearm

Disapproved Use: 

Handgun/ Rifle 

2.         Officers are not authorized to discharge their firearm:

c.         Either at or from a moving vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary to do so to protect against imminent threat to the life of the officer or others.

1) a person in the vehicle is threatening the officer or another person with deadly force by means other than the vehicle

2) the vehicle is operated in a manner deliberately intended to strike an officer or another person, and all other reasonable means of defense have been considered (or are not present or practical), which includes moving out of the path of the vehicle.

6. Is it required for PPD Officers to use a Use of Force continuum?

The Pasco Police Department employs a Use of Force Model.  In use of force incidents, the officer will transition to differing degrees or types of force, including attempts to de-escalate.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

Use of Force Policy

Use of Force Model

Each bold force option within the levels of control represents the highest level of force option available; however, other force options should be considered to help de-escalate the situation.

This graphic is intended as a general guideline for an officer.  The subject(s) actions will dictate the Resistance Level and officers will make an “objectively reasonable” force option.

In use of force incidents, the officer will transition to differing degrees or types of force, including attempts to de-escalate. Force situations are dynamic and require an officer to continually assess the subject’s actions to ensure an objectively reasonable response. Officers shall modify their Level of Control in relation to the amount of resistance offered by a subject.    

Use of Force Procedure

1. Use of Force to affect a detention, an arrest or to conduct a search
2. Duty to intervene
3. Levels of resistance (see Use of Force Model)
4. Levels of control (see Use of Force Model)
5. De-Escalation

7. Does the PPD require comprehensive reporting of use of force?

Upon the use of moderate to higher levels of use of force, a Pasco Police Officer is required to complete a Use of Force Report.

Pasco Police Officers do not use a firearm to gain compliance of a subject or for intimidation.  Officers are not allowed to draw or display their firearm unless the circumstances create reasonable belief that is may be necessary to use the firearm in the performance of their duty.

Pasco Police Use of Force Policy

4.2.1 REPORTING WEAPON DISCHARGE AND USES OF FORCE

B. Use of Force Reporting

Employees are sometimes required to use force to make arrests and control situations. The use of force model outlines the progression of force options. Reportable force incidents which require the completion of a Use of Force Report, but are not limited to:

1. Control Tactics/ Impact Tactics (Takedown with injury, Strikes, Kicks)

2. Baton/Impact Weapons (Jabs, Strikes)

3. OC Spray

4. CEW (touch stun and probe deployment)

5. VNR (Level 2 and 3)

6. Canine (With bites)

7. Use of Force with a vehicle:

A. Ramming

8. Use of Force with a Firearm

A. Handgun

B. Rifle

Supervisors will respond without necessary delay to all potential reportable uses of force.

When the use of force results in serious injury or death, investigators (Special Investigative Unit) and internal affairs will conduct an investigation. In these situations, officers are granted time, at the discretion of the Field Operations Captain, to contact legal counsel before completing a report or making a formal statement.

 

Pasco Police Procedure Manual

Authorized Force Tools, Description, Requirements, Uses and Considerations

• Use of Force with a firearm

Disapproved Use: 

Handgun/ Rifle 

Officers are not authorized to draw or display their firearms, except for training at an approved firearms range, unless the circumstances create reasonable belief that it may be necessary to use the firearm in the performance of their duty.

8. Does the PPD ban chokeholds and strangleholds?

Chokeholds and Strangleholds are not allowed by the policy or procedures of the Pasco Police department. No physical maneuver that restricts an individual’s ability to breath for the purpose of incapacitation is allowed unless lethal force is authorized.

Pasco Police Officers have been trained in the use of the Vascular Neck Restraint procedure.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure
Use of Force Policy

B.  Definitions

Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR) - VNR is a specific method of applying pressure to the side of a subject’s neck to overcome resistance and allow safe control. This technique is used only in accordance with official departmental training and policy.

Authorized Force Tools, Description, Requirements, Uses and Considerations

F.  Vascular Neck Restraint

There are three levels to applying the VNR.  Level One begins with Low-Level Force and may progress to the Intermediate based on the subject’s actions.

Level of Control: 

Low-Level Force --      VNR Level One (minimum restraint)

Intermediate Force -- VNR Level Two (medium restraint)

VNR Level Three (maximum restraint)

Description: 

The VNR is a control technique in which the carotid arteries on the sides of the neck are compressed, limiting blood flow to the brain, causing the subject to momentarily pass out.

Certification Requirements:

• Entry Level Training as provided by PPD trained instructors.

No officer will use the VNR without first completing the certification course provided in the police academy or by PPD instructors.

• Training will be provided by certified VNR instructors only.  
• All commissioned officers in the rank of Sergeant and below will receive training in the VNR. 
• Officers certified in the VNR will be required to complete recertification. 
• Any officer requesting an exemption from VNR training due to medical reasons must obtain a medical exemption from their physician. 
• This exemption must be obtained immediately upon requesting the exemption and at the beginning of each calendar year thereafter, and be forwarded to the Director of Risk Management. 

Approved Use:

• This tool will be used only in accordance with policy and department training.
• The  VNR  is  a  defensive  tactic  to  quickly  and  safely  stop active/aggressive resistance. 

Disapproved Use:

• Will not be used on subjects that have been exposed to OC spray or who are experiencing difficulty breathing.  
• Officers will not use any technique that involves a neck restraint.

Tactical Considerations:

• When applying the VNR, only the amount of force necessary to bring the subject under control will be used. 
• Upon the subject being brought under control the VNR will be relaxed.

Additional Considerations:

• Summon medical attention on all use of VNR Level 2 and 3, and/or any incident where a subject is injured and/or complains of injury.
• Notify a supervisor when VNR has been used.
• Inform detention/corrections personnel VNR has been applied on the subject. 
• Any application of VNR on a subject is a reportable Use of Force Report.

9. Are PPD Officers required to give medical aid?

Pasco Police Officers have a duty to render aid upon a subject after a use of force upon that person.  PPD Officers are trained in first aid/CPR, AED, carry tourniquets, and Narcan.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

Use of Force Policy

• Medical attention

Whenever an officer applies a Use of Force option upon a subject that results in a visible injury or complaint of injury, an officer will monitor the subject and summon aid or transport for medical attention. Once the scene is safe, officers will render first aid to subjects who have been seriously injured as a result of police actions.  

10. Does PPD Investigate their own officer-involved shootings?

The Pasco Police Department is fully committed to implementing the requirements of Washington State Initiative 940, including having civilian community members as part of an independent team investigating deadly use of force incidents.  The PPD continues to participate in the Regional Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to provide outside and independent investigations for deadly force investigations.  No Pasco Police investigators will be used to investigate a Pasco incident.

Pasco Police Use of Force Procedure

Reportable Use of Force

• Investigative Responsibilities: Use of Deadly Force or Force Involving Serious Bodily Injury  

It is the policy of this department to conduct a fair, impartial and thorough investigation of all uses of deadly force for the interest of the officer, the department and the community alike. The following procedures shall apply to all deadly force investigations:

A.         Primary Responsibilities in a Deadly Force Investigation

• Special Investigation Unit (SIU):
• SIU Response Criteria (also see SIU protocol):
• Any use of deadly force as described in PPD – Use of Force policy
• Officer Involved non-lethal Shootings at the discretion of the Chief of Police 
• The SIU criminal investigation will conduct a criminal investigation and provide its finding to the County Prosecutor.