PG 203-11 USE OF FORCE

Question 0

All members of the service at the scene of a police incident must:

Answer 0

a. Immediately establish firearms control
b. Use minimum necessary force
c. Employ non-lethal alternatives, as appropriate.

Question 1

Deadly physical force will be used ONLY

Answer 1

as a last resort and consistent with Department policy and the law.

At the scene of a police incident, many members of the service may be present and some members may not be directly involved in taking police actions. However, this does not relieve any member present of the obligation to ensure that the requirements of the law and Department regulations are complied with. Members of the service are required to maintain control or intervene if the use of force against a subject clearly becomes excessive. Failure to do so may result in both criminal and civil liability. EXCESSIVE FORCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Question 2

Members of the New York City Police Department will NOT use chokeholds. A chokehold shall include, but is not limited to, any

Answer 2

pressure to the throat or windpipe, which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air.

Whenever it becomes necessary to take a violent or resisting subject into custody, responding officers should utilize appropriate tactics in a coordinated effort to overcome resistance (for example see P.G. 216-05, “Aided Cases-Mentally Ill or Emotionally Disturbed Persons”).

Question 3

The patrol supervisor, if present, should direct and control all activity. Whenever possible, members should make every effort to avoid tactics, such as

Answer 3

sitting or standing on a subject’s chest, which may result in chest compression, thereby reducing the subject’s ability to breathe.

Question 4

Persons taken into custody (i.e., arrest, mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, etc.) shall be rear

Answer 4

cuffed at the earliest opportunity to reduce the potential for resistance, which may cause injuries. In addition, alternate restraining devices (Velcro straps, mesh restraining blankets, etc.) shall be used, at the earliest opportunity, to restrain or further restrain a subject whose actions or behavior may cause injury to himself/herself or others.