1. (1) Officers may only apply defensive tactics when the officer reasonably believes that the use of such a technique appears necessary to further a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

2. (2) Officers should use only defensive tactics in which the officer has been trained and which are approved by the agency. Approved defensive tactics include:

   1. (a) focused strikes involving the use of empty-hand techniques; or
   2. (b) contact control measures, such as strategic positioning, escort holds, ground tactics, joint manipulation, or immobilization.

KEY: use of force, firearms, canine, policy

Date of Last Change: December 27, 2021

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53-6-109, 53-13-116, 76-2-404, 76-1-601, 77-7-7