Update to the Department Policy on Use of Force

In determining the appropriateness of a particular use of force, the Department is guided by constitutional law, as interpreted by U.S. Supreme Court. The Fourth Amendment supplies a constitutional baseline for permissible use of force by LEOs in the course of their official duties, law enforcement agencies may adopt policies that further constrain the use of force.

This policy describes the governing legal framework and articulates additional principles to which the Department will adhere.