Sarasota Police Department

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Title: USE OF FORCE
Established: August 17, 2001 Distribution:
All Sworn Employees, SPD Records Unit
Number: 703.00 Last Revised:
Last Reviewed:
May 2, 2019
May 2, 2019
Annex: A. Force Used by Officers

703.10 PURPOSE:

703.11 To establish Department policy regarding the use of force by officers of the Sarasota
Police Department.

703.20 POLICY:

703.21 Department policy should not be construed as a creation of a higher legal standard of
safety or care in an evidentiary sense with respect to third party claims.

703.22 Violations of this standard operating procedure will form the basis for Departmental
administrative sanctions.

703.23 Violations of law regarding the use of force will form the basis for civil and criminal
sanctions.

703.24 All officer involved shootings, whether there is injury or not, AND uses of force that result
in death and/or great bodily harm, whether accidental or intentional, including all in-
custody deaths, will be investigated according to the guidelines established in SOP
621.00, Officer Incidents Involving Great Bodily Harm or Death.

703.30 DISCUSSION:

703.31 The use of force is one of the most vital issues that police officers face in the performance
of their duty. Officers are charged with making split-second decisions regarding the
objectively reasonable use of force during circumstances, which are tense, stressful,
uncertain and rapidly evolving. The essence of reasonableness is whether the officer who
used force reasonably perceived a threat at the time they used force and whether the force
used was a response that an objectively reasonable officer might have selected. This
takes into account the effect of adrenal stress, which is an involuntary reaction with
substantial psychological and physiological results, which significantly affect a person’s
capacity to react, perceive information and recall details. The United States Supreme
Court held in Graham vs. Connor, (109 S. Ct. 1865 [1989]) that, “The reasonableness of
a particular use-of-force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on
the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight”.

703.32 Officers of the Sarasota Police Department are expected to utilize, without
hesitation, reasonable force to accomplish police objectives, including to protect
themselves and others from the threat of physical harm.
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703.33 Failure to comply with policy guidelines regarding the objectively reasonable use of force
is cause for administrative action.

703.40 DEFINITIONS:

703.41 DEADLY FORCE: Force which is likely to cause death or great bodily harm.

703.42 FELON: A person an officer has probable cause to believe has committed a crime or is
in the process of committing a crime punishable by death, or imprisonment in excess of
one year in a State penitentiary.

703.43 FORCIBLE FELONY: Means treason; murder, manslaughter, sexual battery, carjacking,
home-invasion robbery, robbery, burglary, arson, kidnapping, aggravated assault,
aggravated battery, aggravated stalking, aircraft piracy, unlawful throwing, placing, or
discharging of a destructive device or bomb and any other felony which involves the use
or threat of physical force or violence against any individual.

703.44 GREAT BODILY HARM: Any bodily injury that involves a substantial risk of death, serious
permanent disfigurement, or results in long-term loss or impairment of a bodily function.
The terms Serious Bodily Injury and Serious Bodily Harm are considered synonymous with
this definition.

703.45 INTERMEDIATE WEAPON: An instrument intended to control a resisting person using

less than deadly force e.g., less-lethal munitions, chemical agents, riot batons, expandable
baton (ASP) and the TASER.

703.45.1 TASER: A conducted-energy weapon that transmits a pulsating electrical output that
interferes with communication between the brain and the muscular system, resulting in
loss of control. The target normally loses muscular function of the body and cannot
perform coordinated action, usually falling to the ground. It is non-destructive to nerves,
muscles and other body elements.

703.45.2 TASER FORCE: Force, resulting from the use of a TASER that is designed to encourage
compliance, overcome resistance or to prevent serious injury without posing a significant
potential of causing injury or death.

703.45.3 TASER DEPLOYMENT: The firing of the TASER at a subject, whether contact is made
or not, with the air cartridge attached; or executing a drive stun when contact is made with
the subject.

703.45.4 TASER ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE: When the TASER is unintentionally activated with
a live cartridge attached causing the probes to fire.

703.46 PROBABLE CAUSE: A reasonable belief, supported by circumstances sufficiently strong

in themselves, to warrant a cautious reasonable person to believe an accused person to
have committed a crime.

703.47 REASONABLE BELIEF: A conclusion reached through factual knowledge combined with
the application of ordinary logic and experience.

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703.48 RESTRAINT DEVICE: Instruments intended to restrict a person’s movement, e.g.,
handcuffs, Violent Prisoner Restraint Device (VPRD), or flex-cuffs.

703.49 USE OF FORCE: Any physical effort used to control, restrain, or overcome the resistance
of another.

703.50 DE-ESCALATION: Taking action or communicating verbally or non-verbally during a

potential force encounter in an attempt to stabilize the situation and reduce the immediacy
of the threat so that more time, options, and resources can be called upon to resolve the
situation without the use of force or with a reduction in the force necessary. De-escalation
may include the use of such techniques as command presence, advisements, warnings,
verbal persuasion, and tactical repositioning. (National Consensus Policy on Use of Force-
IACP)

703.51 ACTIVE RESISTANCE: A subject makes physically non-compliant movements to defeat

an officer’s attempt at control.

703.52 PASSIVE RESISTANCE: A subject refuses to comply or respond to an officer’s command.

The individual does not make any attempt to physically defeat the actions of the officer
but forces the officer to employ physical maneuvers to establish control.

703.53 LESS LETHAL: Less likely to result in death or serious injury than force commonly
considered deadly.

703.60 GENERAL GUIDELINES:

703.61 Officers of the Sarasota Police Department are authorized to use force necessary to effect
lawful objectives, including deadly force, as set forth in Chapter 776 Florida State Statutes,
Justifiable Use of Force.

703.62 Officers of the Sarasota Police Department, while acting in their lawful capacity, are
authorized to use force which is objectively reasonable to:

A. Protect themselves or others from imminent physical harm.

B. Effect the arrest of violators of the law.
C. Control persons resisting detention and/or confinement as a result of the officer’s
lawful duty.

703.63 Officers of the Sarasota Police Department, while acting in their lawful capacity, need not
retreat or desist from efforts to make a lawful arrest because of resistance or threatened
resistance to the arrest nor are they expected or encouraged to expose their lives, or the
lives of others, to unnecessary or unreasonable risks.

703.64 Officers shall not consider injury or property damage caused by fleeing suspects as a use
of force unless an actual use of force occurs. For example, if a fleeing suspect falls on his
own accord and is injured, this does not constitute a use of force by the officer.

703.65 DE-ESCALATION:

703.65.1 Important considerations for an officer while evaluating de-escalation efforts:

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 A. Are the efforts reasonable to consider based on the situation?

B. Are the efforts tactically practical?

C. Are the efforts likely to be successful?

D. Do the efforts maintain the desirable balance of trying to resolve a conflict

peacefully with the need to maintain officer and citizen safety?

703.65.2 An officer shall use de-escalation techniques and other alternatives to higher levels of
force consistent with their training when practical and in furtherance of accomplishing a
lawful objective.

703.65.3 When de-escalation techniques are not effective or appropriate, an officer may consider
the use of less-lethal force to control a non-compliant or actively resistant individual.
Officers are authorized to use agency approved, less-lethal force techniques and issued
equipment:

A. To protect the individual, officer(s) or others from immediate physical harm,

B. To restrain or subdue an individual who is actively resisting or evading arrest, or;

C. To bring an unlawful situation safely and effectively under control.

(National Consensus Policy on Use of Force-IACP)

703.66 EXCESSIVE USE OF FORCE / OFFICER INTERVENTION:

703.66.1 The Sarasota Police Department will not tolerate any excessive use of force. Any act
suspected of being an excessive use of force will result in an investigation and disciplinary
action for sustained violations.

703.66.2 Officers of the Sarasota Police Department are expressly forbidden from using any force
with the objective of rendering punishment or retribution.

703.66.3 Officers are reminded that under the Code of Conduct policy section 319.430, they have
a duty to immediately report any “illegal actions, dereliction of duty, malfeasance,
misfeasance, unprofessional, or unethical conduct by another employee to an immediate
supervisor or internal affairs”. Failure to do so will result in an investigation and disciplinary
action for sustained violations.

703.66.4 If an officer observes what they reasonably believe to be an excessive use of force by
another officer, he/she shall safely intervene as soon as possible. Failure to do so will
result in an investigation and disciplinary action for sustained violations.

703.67 NOTIFICATIONS:

703.67.1 Officers will notify their supervisor as soon as practical after any application of force.

703.67.2 Nothing in this section prevents an officer from using force prior to a supervisor’s
notification or arrival.

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703.67.3 Supervisors shall immediately notify the chain of command of any officer or civilian
member’s actions, while performing work-related duties, that results in great bodily harm
or death (accidental or deliberate) and follow the guidelines established in SOP 621.00,
Officer Incidents Involving Great Bodily Harm or Death.

703.68 INJURIES:

703.68.1 Officers shall ensure appropriate medical aid is provided after the use of lethal or less-
lethal weapons, or any other use of force incident that results in obvious or apparent injury,
or a suspect reports an injury.

703.68.2 When a subject exhibits or informs any officer of the Sarasota Police Department that they
have been injured or are experiencing medical problems, whether or not the officer
believes those claims to be true, the officer shall provide for medical evaluation and/or
treatment in a timely manner and notify his or her immediate supervisor.

703.68.3 Photographs shall be taken of injuries sustained by the suspect and/or officer. Any
preexisting or alleged injuries should be photographed to aid in documenting their origin
(e.g., photos of facial injuries sustained in a vehicle crash along with photos of the steering
wheel or windshield which would account for such injuries. Photos of alleged injuries, or
absence thereof, in the event the subject was to later claim an officer caused an injury).
Photographs of damaged property and objects that are the probable cause of an injury
are also of value.

703.69 POLICY TRAINING:

703.69.1 Officers will receive copies of and be instructed in this policy, before they are authorized
to carry lethal or less-lethal weapons.

703.70 USE OF DEADLY FORCE:

703.71 Per FSS. 776.05, officers of the Sarasota Police Department, while acting in their lawful
capacity, are authorized to use deadly force only when:

A. Imminent Threat: The officer reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is
necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or
another individual.

B. Fleeing Felon: The officer reasonably believes that a fleeing felon has
committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of great bodily
harm to another person AND the officer reasonably believes that the fleeing felon
poses an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to the officer or another
individual.

C. Escapees: When necessarily committed in retaking felons who have escaped,

AND the officer reasonably believes that the fleeing felon poses an imminent
threat of death or great bodily harm to the officer or another individual.

703.71.1 As it applies to 703.11 (B) (C) above, officers shall note that Department policy
establishes the use of deadly force in capturing a fleeing felon or recapturing an
escapee IS NOT automatically justified. Officers must weigh the totality of the

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 circumstances that exist at the time of the escape or flight (i.e. crime(s) committed,
statements made, actions observed, subject’s mental state, weapons involved, etc..), and
determine that the subject poses an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to the
officer or another individual and that the subject cannot otherwise be stopped or captured
without the use of deadly force.

703.72 When feasible, a verbal warning shall be given prior to the use of deadly force.

703.73 Deadly force will not be used to effect the arrest or to prevent the escape of a
misdemeanant.

703.74 SHOOTING OF AN ANIMAL:

703.74.1 The shooting of an animal is justified:

A. For self-defense of the officer or the protection of another. This will be documented
on an incident report and on a Use of Force module in Blue Team.

B. When an animal is so badly injured that humanity requires relief from further
suffering, provided that the location is such that no hazard to the safety of citizens
exists from the discharge of a firearm, and that supervisory approval is received.
This will be documented on an incident report and on a Use of Force module in
Blue Team.

703.80 PROHIBITIONS ON THE DISCHARGING OF FIREARMS:

703.81 Officers shall consider the danger posed to innocent bystanders and their background
when a firearm is discharged in the line of duty.

703.82 Officers shall be aware of crossfire situations involving other officers when discharging a
firearm in the line of duty.

703.83 Warning shots are prohibited.

703.84 Officers shall not discharge a firearm at or from a moving vehicle, unless no other
tactically sound options are available to the officer to defend human life or in the defense
of persons in imminent danger of great bodily harm.

703.85 Officers will not intentionally place themselves into the path of a moving vehicle. Officers
who find themselves in the path of an oncoming moving vehicle will make every practical
effort to get out of the vehicle’s path to place themselves in a safer tactical position.

703.86 Officers shall not use issued department firearms for any purpose other than those
described in this standard operating procedure.

703.87 Officers shall dry fire a firearm only as a function of firearms training in a safe and secure
manner or when service pistols are dry fired in authorized clearing drums during
inspection, storage or assembly procedures.

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703.90 DISPLAY OF FIREARMS:

703.91 The unholstering or holding of a firearm (i.e., handgun, shotgun or rifle) in a ready or
tactical position does not constitute a use of force.

703.92 This standard operating procedure does not prohibit an officer from unholstering a firearm
or having an authorized weapon in a ready position when the possibility of danger to the
officer or others exists.

703.93 Caution must be exercised when a firearm is unholstered. An unholstered firearm can
become a serious liability to the officer in the event of a physical struggle.

703.94 Officers shall keep their finger out of the trigger guard unless preparing to fire a firearm.

703.100 USE OF INTERMEDIATE WEAPONS:

703.101 CHEMICAL IRRITANT SPRAY (O.C.):

703.101.1 O.C. spray is a use of force that is intended to prevent injury to officers and suspects.

703.101.2 Officers are instructed that O.C. spray is an additional tool and does not replace the
firearm, expandable baton, TASER or other authorized equipment.

703.101.3 Officers are authorized to use O.C. spray when an officer has grounds to arrest or detain,
and:

A. A person refuses to comply with directions to stop resistance or a threatening

behavior.

B. It is objectively reasonable to prevent the situation from escalating into physical

resistance.

703.101.4 When practical, the person should be notified that they will be sprayed with an
inflammatory agent if they fail to submit. The responsibility for the resulting discomfort
from the spray is shifted to the recipient when they are aware of the consequences of their
refusal.

703.101.5 Suspects who are sprayed with O.C. spray shall be restrained with approved restraining
devices as soon as tactically possible.

703.101.6 Suspects who are in custody, who have been sprayed with O.C. spray, shall be:

A. Monitored closely pursuant to SOP 433.64 (B).

B. Verbally reassured that they will fully recover, and the effects will subside in 30-
45 minutes.
C. Provided the person is passive and when conditions permit, persons sprayed
should be allowed to face the wind and/or given other appropriate treatment such
as cool water or bioshield applied to the affected area.
D. Transported to the appropriate facility.

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703.101.7 Any person not intentionally exposed to the spray should be afforded assistance with
recovery until they return to their normal state or condition.

703.101.8 Any individual who is experiencing or complains of symptoms other than those normally
associated with the use of O.C. spray or do not show signs of recovering within the
normally expected period of time should be afforded immediate medical attention.
Unusual symptoms would include loss of consciousness, profuse sweating, chest pain or
slow, shallow breathing.

703.101.9 O.C. spray use is appropriate and justified when lesser force is not likely to achieve safe
control of an animal.

703.101.10 Officers shall advise booking personnel if an arrestee has received an application of O.C.

703.102 EXPANDABLE (ASP) OR RIOT BATON:

703.102.1 Officers are instructed that the baton is an additional tool and does not replace the firearm,
chemical irritant spray, TASER or other authorized equipment.

703.102.2 Officers are authorized to use the baton when:

A. An officer has grounds to arrest or detain, and;

B. The officer is met with Aggressive Physical resistance.

703.103 TASER:

703.103.1 Personnel shall only deploy the TASER as trained and in accordance with the policies and
procedures established in this section.

703.103.2 Officers are instructed that the TASER is an additional tool and does not replace the
firearm, chemical irritant spray, baton or other authorized equipment.

703.103.3 In accordance with Florida State Statute 943.1717, officers are authorized to use the
TASER only in arrests or custodial situations where the subject of the arrest or custody
escalates resistance to the officer to active resistance and that subject:

A. Has the apparent ability to physically threaten the officer (s) or others; or
B. Attempting to flee or fleeing.

703.103.4 Use of the TASER is authorized to end the physical resistance of an individual, when
lesser force is not objectively likely to achieve safe control of the person.

703.103.5 If tactically feasible, police personnel intending to deploy the TASER will give a verbal
warning to the suspect reference to its impending use. This warning will also serve as
notification to other officers on-scene that the TASER is going to be deployed. If tactically
feasible, this warning shall be given prior to each activation of the TASER.

703.103.6 Officers shall use the number of cycles for the duration objectively reasonable to
accomplish the lawful police objective. Multiple applications or continuous cycling of the
TASER resulting in an exposure longer than 15 seconds may increase the risk.
Accordingly, officers should consider other control options when a subject has been
exposed to three cycles and/or 15 seconds of duration.
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703.103.6.1 Any subsequent applications should be independently justifiable, and the risks should be
weighed against other force options.

703.103.7 After a TASER is first deployed, any subsequent activation(s) must meet the same criteria
as the first deployment.

703.103.8 After a TASER is deployed, officers must give the suspect a reasonable opportunity to
comply with any commands prior to additional activations.

703.103.9 Absent exigent circumstances, officers will not use more than one TASER at a time on a
suspect. A second TASER may be deployed only if the initial TASER becomes disabled.

703.103.10 Officers must consider the potential risk of fall down injury when balancing the need to
overcome resistance and the risk of injury. Accordingly, officers are not permitted to use
a TASER on a fleeing subject unless reasonable suspicion exists that the subject has
been, is, or is about to be engaged in criminal activity, probable cause exists to take the
subject into custody or the subject has an outstanding warrant(s).

703.103.11 The TASER shall not be deployed under the following circumstances unless the need to
stop the suspect’s behavior outweighs the potential risks of using the device:

A. On subjects who are apparently pregnant, suspected of being pregnant, or

known to be pregnant.

B. Near flammable gases or liquids.

C. As a sole means against a lethal threat. The TASER does not replace the
firearm.

D. On subjects who are known or suspected of having been sprayed with an alcohol
based chemical spray, including some alcohol-based pepper sprays that could
ignite.

E. On subjects who are attempting to swallow or hide in their mouth cocaine rock or
other drugs and/or contraband when no other physical resistance is offered.

F. On subjects in physical control of a vehicle in motion or readily capable of being

put into motion, to include automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles and
scooters.

G. On individuals who are not resisting.

H. Persons who are elderly. For the purpose of this policy, elderly is defined as
persons who are either known to be or suspected of being 65 years of age or
older.

I. Children who are 10 years old or younger.

J. Restrained persons in custody.

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703.103.12 If an officer loses an air cartridge, accidentally discharges it, or discharges it in
circumstances that are not duty related, they must immediately notify their supervisor, or
the Shift Commander, and submit a memorandum via chain of command to their Division
commander explaining the details of the incident.

703.104 AFTER TASER DEPLOYMENT:

703.104.1 When an officer deploys a TASER on a subject, the officer shall:

A. Take the individual into custody. The individual shall not be released on a
summons.

B. Restrain the subject with approved restraining devices to minimize the threat of
injury to either the officer or the subject, as soon as practical.

C. Request a supervisor to respond to the scene if not already present.

D. Visually examine the area struck, to determine if an injury was sustained.

E. Remove the TASER probes at the earliest opportunity. The TASER probes shall
only be removed by officers who have completed the department-approved
training in the removal of the TASER probes or paramedics.

F. If necessary, personnel shall render medical aid to those involved in the incident
and, via the Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC), request the
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to respond to the scene.

703.104.2 Officers must be aware that one easily overlooked aspect of injury in applying the TASER
to a person is that of falling from a standing position. An examination with particular
emphasis on secondary injuries should be performed by the EMS, if on-scene, otherwise
by the deploying officer.

703.104.3 TASER probes that have struck the face or groin shall only be removed by EMS, Fire
Rescue or medical personnel.

703.104.4 TASER probes that have struck a person’s body should be removed by an officer of the
same gender. However, if one is not immediately available, and the circumstances may
pose an immediate hazard, an officer of the opposite gender may remove the probes in
the presence of another officer.

703.104.5 If an individual is reasonably believed to have been exposed to three TASER cycles, or
more than 15 seconds of duration, EMS shall be requested to respond to the scene to
examine the individual.

703.104.6 If EMS is not readily available, the officer shall transport the person to the Sarasota
Memorial Hospital for medical clearance.

703.104.7 All TASER probes shall be considered a biological hazard and shall be handled and
disposed of in accordance with procedures for handling biohazardous materials (see SOP
731.00 – Property Control).

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703.104.8 All air cartridges and probes used shall be tagged into evidence. Since the probes may
have blood on them (biohazard) the officer(s) shall wear protective latex gloves when
handling. The wires shall be wound around the cartridge. The probes shall be inverted
into the portals they originally were deployed from. (This will prevent the sharp ends from
penetrating the envelope.) Tape should then be placed over the portals to secure the
probes in the cartridge. Place into an evidence envelope.

703.104.9 All impact sites and any secondary injuries caused by falling to the ground shall be
documented, photographed and the photographs shall be retained as evidence.

703.104.10 Transport the subject to the appropriate jail or hospital.

703.104.11 Officer shall advise booking personnel at the jail if a subject under arrest has received an
application of the TASER.

703.105 GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS:

703.105.1 Less lethal weapons may be utilized within the use of force guidelines in the following
situations:

A. When the use of an impact weapon is authorized, and it may not be safe to approach
B. When the opportunity for their effective use can be safely employed.

703.105.2 The use of less lethal munitions is authorized against animals that pose a threat to public
safety. A method of containing the animal must be readily available prior to the use of less
lethal force. After the use of less lethal force, the animal shall immediately be taken into
custody.

703.105.3 Whenever sworn members armed with less lethal are deployed, they will be accompanied
by sworn members with lethal force weapons who will provide defensive cover for the less
lethal sworn members during their deployment.

703.105.4 In order to determine which technique or munitions will reasonably de-escalate the
incident and bring it under control safely, sworn members should assess the situations
where force is warranted, taking into consideration officer/subject factors and incident
conditions.

703.105.5 When using the less lethal impact weapons system, the targeted areas authorized will be
consistent with that of the baton. The exception to this will be when the sworn member is
authorized to use deadly force and may target other areas.

703.105.6 When using less lethal (non-impact) chemical weapons or diversionary devices, impact
areas will be sought that minimize the possibility of direct human with the launched or
inserted munitions.

703.105.7 An announcement will be made by off sworn members deploying the munitions to inform
other involved officers that less lethal munitions are being used. When chemical munitions
are to be used, advanced warning must be made so that the involved officers can prepare
to operate in the chemical environment that will be created by the chemical deployment.

703.105.8 When tactically practical, the subject should be notified of the potential application of less
lethal munitions if they should fail to submit.
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703.105.9 Subjects impacted with less lethal munitions shall be provided with medical
evaluation/treatment in a timely manner. When practical, Emergency Medical Service
(EMS) personnel will be notified and standby the scene to provide medical treatment to
injured persons.

703.105.10 Photographs shall be taken of any injuries or property damage caused by the deployment
of less lethal munitions.

703.105.11 Officers must be properly trained in the use of less lethal munitions prior to being allowed
to carry or use it.

703.105.12 All officers that use less lethal munitions shall qualify annually.

703.110 VASCULAR NECK RESTRAINT (VNR):

703.111 The Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR) is an empty-handed control technique that
compresses the carotid arteries and jugular veins. Used properly, this technique results
in a decreased blood supply to the brain which leads to altered levels of consciousness
allowing an officer to gain compliance of the subject.

703.112 Only officers who are trained in the application of the Vascular Neck Restraint are
authorized to use the technique.

703.113 Officers are authorized to use the Vascular Neck Restraint when:

A. An individual, who the officer has legal authority to take into custody, is using
active physical resistance to resist arrest and,
B. The subject has the apparent ability to physically harm the officer or others and,
C. Use of lesser force is not likely to achieve safe control of the subject.

703.114 If, after application of the Vascular Neck Restraint, the subject loses consciousness,
officers will do the following:

A. Immediately discontinue compression but maintain control of the subject.

B. Place handcuffs on the subject and put him/her in a side-laying recovery position.
C. Continuously monitor the subject until consciousness is regained.

703.115 After application of the Vascular Neck Restraint, EMS shall be called if any of the
following situations occur:

A. The subject exhibits weak or no vital signs.

B. The subject does not regain consciousness within 30 seconds after the VNR is
discontinued.
C. If the subject does not return to his/her previous state of consciousness or
awareness within a reasonable amount of time.

703.116 All subjects on which the Vascular Neck Restraint is applied shall be closely monitored
until delivered to the appropriate receiving facility.

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703.117 The Vascular Neck Restraint will not be used in the following circumstances except when
the need outweighs the risk of use:

A. On subjects who are apparently pregnant, suspected of being pregnant, or

known to be pregnant.
B On elderly subjects. For purposes of this policy, elderly is defined as persons
who are either known to be or suspected of being 65 years of age or older.
C. Children who are 10 years old or younger.
D. Persons with obvious or known Down’s Syndrome.

703.118 The Vascular Neck Restraint will not be used for the sole purpose of retrieving
narcotics/contraband from a subject who is attempting to swallow or hide the item(s) in
their mouth.

703.119 All subjects, on which the Vascular Neck Restraint is applied, shall be taken into custody.

703.120 DOCUMENTING USE OF FORCE:

703.121 Officers shall complete the Use of Force Report whenever:

A. Anything other than compliant handcuffing and compliant escorting requires a use
of force.

B. A subject alleges a use of force incident and/or injury as a result of arrest.

C. When an officer applies force through the use of lethal or less-lethal weapons, to
include when an officer intentionally directs a firearm or TASER at a person placing
him/her within the weapon's sights.

D. An officer intentionally discharges a firearm, except for authorized training or lawful

sporting activity.

E. Any member's action results in death or serious bodily injury to another.

F. An officer attempts to terminate or terminates a vehicle pursuit by utilizing the

precision immobilization technique.

G. The deployment of stop sticks resulting in injury or property damage.

H. A K-9 is deployed and inflicts a bite. The bite will be reported in Blue Team under
the K-9 Utilization module.

703.123 Multiple uses of force may be documented on a single Use of Force report when the force
occurred during the same incident.

703.124 Officers shall document the use of force and justifying reason(s) in clear detail in each of
the following documents:

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 A. A Use of Force Report.
B. An Offense Report.
C. On a Probable Cause Affidavit where the use of force relates to the nature of the
charge.

703.125 Officers involved in an incident where a use of force is required shall complete a use of
force form, describing his/her actions in regards to the use of force to include handcuffing.
As each officer involved in a use of force situation may use different levels of force, each
officer must write their own account of his/her involvement. Officers are PROHIBITED
from copying/pasting narratives.

703.126 The data port on the TASER stores the time and date the TASER was deployed.
Information from the data port will be downloaded by the officer’s immediate supervisor
following the current prescribed procedures:

A. As soon as practical after any deployment.

B. Whenever an investigation into the use of force involving the TASER makes it
necessary.
C. Prior to turning the TASER in for repair.
D. At random times to ensure the device is only being activated consistent with
training and Department policy.

703.127 Officers will submit all paperwork regarding a use of force (i.e. offense report, Use of Force
Form, PCA, etc.) to their immediate supervisor who will forward it to the Division
Commander through the chain of command.

703.130 REVIEW PROCESS FOR USE OF FORCE REPORT:

703.131 The review process will consist of the following steps:

A. The electronic Use of Force Report will be submitted to the officer’s immediate on-
duty supervisor through Blue Team.

B. The supervisor will review the original Use of Force Report for completeness and
accuracy and, if acceptable, the Use of Force Report will be approved, and
submitted to the shift commander through Blue Team. Supervisors shall forward
reports only when they are completed, correct, and without delay.

C. The shift commander will review, the original Use of Force Report, then submit it
to the Division Commander along with an attached copy of the PCA and/or incident
report through Blue Team.

D. The Division Commander will review and forward the original Use of Force Report
to the Training Unit Officer and a copy to the Chief of Police.

E. The Training Unit Officer will review, approve, and forward the original Use of
Force Report to the Training Sergeant who will review, approve and forward the
Use of Force Report to the IAC Administrative Assistant. The Training Sergeant
will take the appropriate action if training deficiencies arise.

Page 14 of 16
703.132 The Training Sergeant is responsible for conducting an annual administrative review and
analysis of all Use of Force reports to determine training, equipment and/or policy
modification needs. The findings will be forwarded to the Chief of Police through the chain
of command no later than January 31st for the previous year.

703.140 INQUIRIES, COMPLAINTS, & INVESTIGATIONS:

703.141 The Sarasota Police Department shall investigate every incident involving the use of
deadly force, the infliction of great bodily harm, or the unauthorized discharge of a firearm
by an officer of this department.

703.142 The primary responsibility for investigating unauthorized use of force complaints and
initiating informal inquiry into use of force incidents rests with the concerned employee’s
immediate supervisor.

703.143 Complaints alleging unauthorized use of force will be documented pursuant to SOP
322.00, Inquiries and Complaints.

703.144 If informal inquiry into a use of force incident conducted on the Division level leads to the
development of competent evidence that would require a formal investigation or
interrogation, the informal inquiry shall be terminated. All documentation available shall be
forwarded to the Office of the Chief of Police with a request for a formal investigation.

703.145 Formal investigation of use of force complaints and incidents will be conducted by Internal
Affairs at the direction of the Chief of Police.

703.150 USE OF FORCE REVIEW BOARD:

703.151 Department personnel selected and assigned by the Chief of Police will staff the Use of
Force Review Board.

703.152 The PSD Commander shall be the chairperson for the Use of Force Board.

703.153 The Use of Force Review Board will convene whenever the Chief of Police determines
that the best interest of the Department is served by review of a use of force incident.

703.154 The findings and recommendations of the Use of Force Review Board will be presented
to the Chief of Police to aid in determining if further action or investigation is warranted.
Findings may include recommending changes to current policies and practices.

703.154.1 The findings will be sent to the Internal Affairs and Complaints Section. The Professional
Standards Division will house copies.

703.154.2 The Internal Affairs and Complaints Section will be responsible for compiling annual
statistics generated from the Use of Force Board.

703.155 Any officer with a substantiated finding against him/her from a previous use of force
allegation, shall be disqualified from membership and not be eligible to sit on the Use of
Force Review Board for a period of five years from the date allegation is sustained.

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________________________________________________________________________________
THIS STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE REPLACES SOP 703.00 DATED 2.6.19.

Approved and issued by order of,

Original Signature in File.

__________________________
BERNADETTE DIPINO
CHIEF OF POLICE

Page 16 of 16
 FORCE USED BY OFFICERS

Officers, the definitions within this annex have been created to assist with applying the
correct terminology within Blue Team.

O.C. Spray/Chemical Agents: Officer intentionally used a non-impact chemical irritant i.e.,
O.C., CS. and CN.

Transporters: Officer intentionally used techniques that bend or twist the joint beyond the
normal range of motion to restrict the suspect's movement and cause pain to gain compliance
(i.e., arm-bar, wristlock, hammer lock, or shoulder lock, etc.). Officer re-directed the subject’s
movement, carried, physically escorted or physically restrained the subject.

TASER: Officer intentionally used a conducted energy weapon which uses propelled wires to
conduct energy that affects the sensory and motor functions of the central nervous system.

Points TASER: An officer points a taser at a subject and places him/her within the weapon's
sights.

Impact Weapon: Officer intentionally used an ASP baton, wooden baton, flashlight, or other
improvised impact weapon.

Less-Lethal Impact Munitions: Officer intentionally used a 37mm, 40mm baton projectile,
12 gage bean-bag round, rubber bullet, rubber pellet round, foam projectile round, frangible
cap irritant round, or any other class of impact projectile designed to be launched at human
targets, with a lower probability of producing fatal results. These munitions can cause similar
injuries as traditional police impact weapons, (e.g., batons, ASP, etc.), and can be referred to
as extended range impact weapons.
Takedowns: Officer intentionally used a tackle, trip, leg sweep, arm-bar takedown, or any
technique where the officer forcefully took a subject off his or her feet and placed the subject
on the ground to gain control.

Strikes: Officer intentionally used any weaponless technique utilizing an appendage to strike
the suspect e.g., punch, kick, elbow strike, knee spike, head butt, forearm strike, open hand
strike, etc.

Canine Apprehension: K-9 Handler intentionally utilized a Sarasota Police Department dog
to inflict a bite to overcome resistance or flight.

Violent Prisoner Restraint Device (VPRD): Officer used a maximal restraint device to
secure the legs and ankles of a subject.

Stop Sticks: Officer deployed a vehicle tire-deflating device designed to puncture vehicle tires
using sleeved quills to cause a rapid deflation of the tire(s) which resulted in property damage.

SOP 703.00 Annex A Revised 5.22.19 Page 1 of 2

 Vascular Neck Restraint: Officer employed an empty-handed control technique with the
intent to decrease the blood supply to the brain causing altered levels of consciousness
allowing the officer to gain compliance.

Police Vehicle: Officer intentionally used a vehicle for a Precision Immobilization Technique.
Firearm: Officer intentionally discharged a handgun, shotgun, or rifle.

Improvised Deadly Weapon: Officer intentionally used a knife, or other improvised weapon
likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
Points Firearm: Officer points a firearm at a subject and places him/her within the weapon's
sights.
Knife Use: Use of a knife as an offensive or defensive weapon.
Handcuffing / Gauged: Officer applied handcuffs to subject.
Double Locked Handcuffs: Officer will double lock handcuffs or explain in narrative if not
double locked.

LEVELS OF RESISTANCE

Presence: Suspect’s demeanor, previous actions, facial expressions, observable physiological

state caused concern of impending resistance.
Verbal: Suspect verbally defied lawful commands, verbally threatened the officer, or verbally
caused a volatile Incident.
Passive Physical: A subject refuses to comply or respond to an officer’s command. The
individual does not make any attempt to physically defeat the actions of the officer but forces
the officer to employ physical maneuvers to establish control.
(Example response option: OC spray)
Active Physical: A subject makes physically non-compliant movements to defeat an officer’s
attempt at control. (Example response options: TASER, VNR)
Aggressive Physical: The suspect made overt, hostile attacking actions toward the officer or
another person or threatened the same with the apparent ability to carry it out. (Example
response option: Baton)
Aggravated Physical: The suspect made overt, hostile attacking-actions or threats toward the
officer or others with the apparent intent and ability to cause death or great bodily harm.
(Example response options: Firearm, improvised deadly weapon, strike, etc.)

SOP 703.00 Annex A Revised 5.22.19 Page 2 of 2