4.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines on the use of force and firearms by members of the San Andreas State Police (SASP) to ensure the safety of officers, civilians, and suspects while maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.

4.2 Policy Statement

SASP officers shall use only the amount of force necessary to lawfully control a situation, effect an arrest, or protect themselves or others from harm. Officers are expected to de-escalate situations whenever possible and shall prioritize the preservation of life in all encounters.

4.3 Levels of Force

Officers shall assess each situation and apply the Use of Force Continuum as follows:

• Level 1 - Officer Presence: The mere presence of a uniformed officer can deter criminal activity and resolve situations.

• Level 2 - Verbal Commands: Officers shall issue clear and lawful verbal commands to gain compliance before escalating to physical force.

• Level 3 - Soft Control (Compliance Techniques): Use of empty-hand control techniques, such as joint locks or pressure points, to restrain a subject.

• Level 4 - Hard Control (Physical Force): Strikes, takedowns, or pain compliance techniques used to subdue a non-compliant suspect.

• Level 5 - Less-Lethal Force: Includes the use of tasers, batons, or OC spray rounds when physical force is insufficient.

• Level 6 - Deadly Force: Use of firearms or any force that is likely to result in death or serious bodily harm.

4.4 Authorized Firearm Use

Officers shall only use firearms when legally justified and in accordance with department training. Firearms shall not be used:

• To fire warning shots.

• Against fleeing suspects unless they pose an imminent deadly threat.

• When non-lethal force options are available and reasonable.

Officers must ensure their firearm is secured at all times when not in use.

4.5 Use of Deadly Force

Deadly force is justified only when an officer reasonably believes:

• A suspect poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or another person.

• The suspect is attempting to escape after committing a violent felony and remains an ongoing threat to the public. This is a last resort and should not be used often.

• If a criminal has a weapon IN HAND, then lethal force is authorized to be in hand. Attempt to match force. If an attempt of an attack is made, lethal force is authorized to be used. We should mostly be a reactionary force.

Officers must make reasonable efforts to issue verbal warnings before using deadly force when possible.

4.6 Less-Lethal Force & Tools

SASP officers may deploy less-lethal tools in situations where force is necessary but deadly force is not justified. These include:

• Tasers: Used against actively resistant subjects. Officers must give a warning before deployment when possible.

• Batons: Used for defense or compliance in close-quarters situations.

• OC Spray (pepper spray): Used to visually impair threats.

All less-lethal tools require proper authorization, training, and justification for use.

4.7 Vehicle Use of Force

• PIT Maneuver: Authorized only on vehicles traveling at speeds up to 80 MPH in the city or 120 MPH on the highway, unless deadly force is justified.

• Roadblocks & Spike Strips: Must be used in a manner that minimizes risk to the public.

• Shooting from or at a moving vehicle: Prohibited unless an imminent threat exists where no other options are viable.

4.8 Duty to Intervene

All officers have an obligation to intervene if they witness excessive force or misconduct by another officer. Failure to intervene may result in disciplinary action. 

Compliance & Accountability

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action. Officers are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and restraint when using force.