What methods fall under use of force?
Use-of-force methods can range from verbal contact to deadly force. St. Louis Park Police Department policy defines use of force as "intentional actions by an officer that the officer knows, or reasonably should know, is likely to cause a nonconsensual, harmful or offensive bodily contact with another, or places another in imminent fear of a nonconsensual, harmful or offensive bodily contact."
How is "deadly force" defined?
St. Louis Park Police Department policy defines deadly force as "force actually used by an officer against another with which the officer knows, or reasonably should know, creates a substantial risk of causing death or great bodily harm. The intentional discharge of a firearm in the direction of another person, or at a vehicle in which another person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force."
What training do officers receive regarding use of force?
The St. Louis Park Police Department provides annual use-of-force training that integrates techniques of de-escalation that help in achieving positive outcomes. Officers are required to give information on police reports where de-escalation techniques were used and are trained in describing their use of verbal de-escalation in those reports. This allows tracking of these methods and their outcomes.
In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature required police officer training in conflict management to promote the safety of all those involved and positive crisis resolution (MS 626-8452). Conflict management, as defined by the statute and peace officer learning objectives, has as its goal safe practices and positive outcomes. Officers are trained in skills and tactics, the integration of these into decision-making processes and giving people the opportunity to be heard during encounters with law enforcement. All St. Louis Park police officers meet or exceed the state-required mandated training.
Is de-escalation training required?
Department policy requires the use of de-escalation techniques and other alternatives, when safe to do so, before resorting to force. The St. Louis Park Police Department provides annual use-of-force training that integrates techniques of de-escalation that strives towards positive outcomes. All police reports written by officers feature a checkbox to indicate occasions where de-escalation techniques were used and allow tracking of the outcomes of these techniques. We are committed to training officers in crisis intervention tactic and have trained almost two-thirds of all sworn personnel in this critical skill to date. The 40-hour course officers attend features an in-depth look at mental illness, people undergoing crisis events, and the challenges these pose for first responders and our community. Mental health advocates and recipients of services also contribute to the interactive and intense class experience.
What is the policy on neck restraints/choke holds? Are officers allowed to use this method?
Department policy prohibits chokeholds except in situations where deadly force would be justified. Choke holds are not taught to St. Louis Park police officers as part of training.
Do officers have to exhaust all alternatives before using deadly force?
Deadly force is permitted by department policy if an objectively reasonable officer would believe, based on the totality of the circumstances, that such force is necessary, and the situation must be addressed through the use of force without unreasonable delay. Officers are not required, however, to first attempt using types of force that reasonably appear to be inadequate to defend or establish control effectively.
Are officers required to follow a use-of-force continuum?
Department policy states that officers are required to use only the level of force that is reasonably necessary under the circumstances. Use of force in our department policies and training is based on the test prescribed by the Supreme Court. Under this standard, an officer must apply levels of force that are constitutionally appropriate, based on the circumstances present in the specific situation with which they are confronted. Force should be applied in an "objectively reasonable" manner and the most important factor to be considered when applying force is the threat faced by the officer(s) and/or others present. However, officers are not required to first attempt using types of force that reasonably appear to be inadequate to defend or establish control effectively.
Are officers required to give a warning before shooting or making another use of deadly force?
Department policy states officers should give a verbal warning of their intent to use deadly force, if feasible, before using or attempting to use deadly force. U.S. courts have suggested that feasibility in such situations involves analysis of timing, audibility and whether the giving of a warning would be likely to be effective or practicable.
Do officers have a duty to intervene when they observe uses of excessive force?
Department policy requires officers to intercede when observing another officer using force beyond that which is objectively reasonable.
Are St. Louis Park Police Department officers trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using force?
Yes. St. Louis Park police officers are regularly trained to render medical aid to all persons in need of care, and to request the assistance of others such as EMTs and paramedics with a higher level of training appropriate to the extent of the injury. State law requires anyone who discharges a firearm and knows or has reason to know this caused injury to another to investigate the extent of the person's injuries and provide appropriate help.
Are officers allowed to shoot at moving vehicles?
This is not allowed unless a St. Louis Park police officer believes they or others are in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. The intentional discharge of a firearm in the direction of a vehicle believed to be occupied by a person is defined by department policy as deadly force, which then must meet all the statutory and policy requirements for the use of such force.
Are officers required to thoroughly document and make a comprehensive report of use/threatened use of force?
Yes. Department policy requires officers using or threatening the use of deadly or non-deadly force to prepare a "Response to Resistance Report" in addition to all other needed reports about the event. This report is subject to review by the officer's immediate supervisor and two members of the department's command staff to ensure appropriateness and compliance with department policy. An annual reporting and analysis of these uses of force is conducted under the supervision of police department command staff.
In addition to a description of the situation and events leading up to the contact, the report requires officers to:
- Describe whether their firearm was drawn, displayed, or pointed at a person.
- What kind of "open hand" (no weapon involved) control methods were employed.
- Whether any blows or strikes were delivered to a person's body.
- Whether a "takedown" or other physical control method was employed.
- The display or firing of a conducted energy weapon, such as a Taser, was involved.
- Whether an impact weapon such as a baton or chemical irritant spray was used.
The report also requires officers to discuss and set out the progression from one type of force to another, if a progression was involved and what the subject’s response to each of these was. The report completed by officers also includes a detailed description of injuries to anyone involved.
On what foundation is the department's use-of-force policies and training based?
A general rule in the use-of-force section of St. Louis Park Police Department policy is to use the least amount of force reasonably necessary to accomplish the intended objective, without affecting the safety of others. This approach is also reinforced by scenario-based training, which emphasizes the creation of time and space for de-escalation tactics, and documenting incidents of force through body-worn camera video and accurate report writing.