Utah Admin. Code R728-507-7 - Less-lethal Force Policy

(1) Any application of force that is not reasonably anticipated and intended to create a substantial likelihood of death or serious injury is considered as less-lethal force. Less-lethal force options may include, handcuffs and leg restraint devices, control devices and techniques, conducted energy weapons, impact weapons, pain compliance techniques, defensive tactics, and canine deployment.

(2) Agencies should provide officers with equipment, training, and defensive tactics skills to assist in the apprehension and control of suspects as well as the protection of officers and the public.

(3) Officers should only apply those pain compliance techniques for which the officer has received agency-approved training and only when the officer reasonably believes that the use of such a technique appears necessary to further a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

(a) Chokeholds, respiratory, or carotid restraints shall not be used as a pain compliance or arrest control technique. Chokeholds, respiratory, or carotid restraints may be used only if deadly force is reasonable and necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death to the officer or other person.

(b) Such restraints include kneeling on, applying chokeholds, or applying direct and constant force to the mouth, neck, spine, or throat.

(c) Officers shall not attempt to render an individual unconscious through the use of respiratory or vascular neck restraints unless the use of deadly force is reasonable and necessary.

(4) Officers utilizing any pain compliance technique should consider the totality of the circumstance, including:

(a) the potential for injury to the officer or others if the technique is not used;

(b) the potential risk of serious injury to the individual being controlled;

(c) the degree to which the pain compliance technique may be controlled in the application according to the level of resistance;

(d) the level of resistance of the individual involved;

(e) the need for prompt resolution of the situation; and

(f) whether time or circumstances permit use of reasonable alternatives.

(5) The application of any pain compliance technique shall be discontinued once the officer determines that compliance has been achieved. Officers must evaluate the subject for injuries that may have been sustained in any use of force and provide appropriate medical treatment as soon as practicable.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R728-507-7

Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2022-01, effective 12/27/2021