Use of Force

Sheriff Deputies are trained to the highest extent of the law. In this specific case, Use of Force. At all times, Deputies are responsible for their actions which include but are not limited to the use of force, and type of force used. The purpose of the Sheriff's Officer policy on Use of Force and it's sub-sections is to provide Deputies with a set of guidelines on the responsibility of using force. While there is no way to specify how much force should be applied, each Deputy is meant to act according to these guidelines. This policy recognizes the evolving nature of tactics and the responsibility of each deputy.

• Definition and explanation (340:25-3-5. Use of force)

Oklahoma State Law clearly defines the Use of Force and the requirements as the following, “Peace officers have the right to use reasonable, necessary force to defend themselves and others against life-threatening, violent, and dangerous personal attacks".

Source: http://okrules.elaws.us/oac/340:25-3-5

Additionally, Sheriff Deputies are trained to the highest degree in de-escalation tactics. De-escalation is defined by taking action or communicating verbally or nonverbally during a potential force encounter in an attempt to stabilize the situation. This is expanded on and defined in the Sheriff Office's Standard Operating Procedure (Section 5: Use of Force, Section 5.1: De-escalation, Section 5.2: Mental Health Awareness). Furthermore, Sheriff Deputies are trained in all terms of force defined by Top Command of the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office. The terms/levels being Officer Presence, Verbalization, Physical Force, Non-Lethal Force, and Deadly Force. (Section 5.3: Terms of Force).