DOUGLASVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure
SOP #: Replaces: Effective Date: Review Date:
10-06-01.9 10-06-01.8
Use of Force: Responding to Resistance and/or Aggression
11/23/20 Annually
Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide structure and guidance to officers when responding to subjects resisting/refusing lawful orders, acting in a violent manner, and/or resisting lawful arrest. This policy is for departmental use only and does not apply in any criminal or civil proceeding. The departmental policy will not be construed as a creation of a higher legal standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense with respect to third party claims. Violations of this policy will form the basis for departmental administrative sanctions only. Violations of law will form the basis for civil and criminal sanctions in a recognized judicial setting. The policy covers: I.
Use of deadly force and establishes responsibilities and duties concerning the investigation into the use of deadly force incidents.
II.
Use of threats of deadly force.
III.
Use of non-deadly force.
IV.
Use of Force reports and review.
Scope This policy applies to all employees of the Douglasville Police Department. I.
Use of Deadly Force A.
There are several legal definitions that are important to understand when it comes to the use of deadly force. 1.
“Deadly Force” has been defined by statute (OCGA § 16-3-21(a)) to mean that degree of force which is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.
2.
“Serious Bodily Injury” has been defined by statute and case law in Georgia to mean: