Proportional Response Guidelines
- Class 1 Threat: Non-Lethal Preferred, Service Pistol Authorized
- Class 2 Threat: Service Pistol Authorized
- Class 3 Threat: Rifle response Authorized Escalation permitted with supervisory awareness
- Class 4 Threat: Full Auto-Rifle response Authorized
- A Police Officer or EMS is downed
- Officers are actively ambushed
Force Coverage Communication
Officers must clearly communicate force posture:“310 holding lethal on driver door. 205 covering with taser.”
Use of Vehicles as Force
- Vehicles shall not be used as weapons except as a last resort
- Controlled light contact (<20 MPH) permitted only if:
- Officer faces imminent threat
- No safe alternative exists
Firearms from Vehicles
- Only permitted when actively under fire
- Passenger fires when tactically feasible
- All such incidents require immediate reporting and an OIS report
Waterborne Use of Force
- Standard continuum applies with restrictions
- No firearms or Tasers in water
- Maximum force: open/closed hand strikes
- Multiple verbal warnings required
- Request Marine/Air support when needed
Post-Incident Accountability
All uses of force are reviewed by:- Supervisors & Command Staff
- State Police
- Internal Affairs / DOJ