HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2019 Community Police Review BoardMEMORANDUM
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
DATE: November 6, 2019
TO: CPRB Members
FROM: Chris Olney
RE: Board Packet for meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Enclosed please find the following documents for your review and comment at the next board meeting:
• Agenda for 11/12/19
• Minutes of the meeting on 10/08/19
• ICPD General Order 99-05 (Use of Force)
• ICPD GO 99-05 suggested change letter
• Office Contacts — October 2019
• Complaint Deadline
AGENDA
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 — 5:30 P.M.
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM
410 E. Washington Street
ITEM NO. 1 CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
ITEM NO.2 CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR
AMENDED
• Minutes of the meeting on 10/08/19
• ICPD General Order 99-05 (Use of Force)
ITEM NO. 3 NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO.4
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 5
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
ITEM NO. 6
BOARD INFORMATION
ITEM NO.7
STAFF INFORMATION
ITEM NO. 8
CONSIDER MOTION TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION based on Section
21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or
authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a
condition for that government body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds,
and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies
including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5)
police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in
the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications
from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons
would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available
for general public examination.
ITEM NO.9
MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS
• December 10, 2019, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• January 14, 2020, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• February 11, 2020, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• March 10, 2020, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
ITEM NO. 10 ADJOURNMENT
Ifyou will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this programlevent, please contact
Chris Olney at 319-356-5043, christine-olney@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow
sufficient time to meet your access needs.
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES — October 8, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chair Monique Galpin called the meeting to order at 5:35 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sam Conaway, Latisha McDaniel, David Selmer (5:38), Orville Townsend
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Chris Olney
OTHERS PRESENT: Legal Counsel Erek Sittig and Iowa City Police Chief Matherly
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None.
REPORT FROM NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Conaway and Selmer did not have a chance to meet so no report was given.
MOTION TO FIX METHOD OF VOTING
Motion by Conaway, seconded by McDaniel to fix the method of voting to be by voice vote.
Motion carried, 4/0, Townsend absent.
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF CHAIRPERSON
Motion by Selmer and seconded by Townsend to nominate Galpin for Chair
Motion carried, 510.
MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF CHAIRPERSON
Motion by Selmer and seconded by Townsend to close nominations.
Motion carried, 5/0.
BALLOT OR VOTE
Motion by Conaway and seconded by Townsend to elect Galpin for Chair
Motion carried, 5/0.
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF VICE -CHAIRPERSON
Motion by Conaway, seconded by McDaniel to nominate Townsend for Vice -Chair
Motion carried, 5/0.
MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF VICE -CHAIRPERSON
Motion by Conaway and seconded by McDaniel to close nominations.
Motion carried, 5/0.
BALLOT OR VOTE
Motion by Conaway and seconded by Selmer to select Townsend for Vice -Chair.
Motion carried, 5/0.
CPRB
Oct 8, 2019
Page 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Selmer, seconded by Townsend, to adopt the consent calendar as presented or amended.
• Minutes of the Meeting on 09/24/19
• ICPD General Order 99-05 (Use of Force)
McDaniel had questions regarding General Order 99-05 (Use of Force) OPS-03.4 V. Procedures
Paragraph 2(d): No distinction shall be made relative to the age of the intended target. Chief Matherly
explained the various criteria that must be met. The Board agreed to send a suggestion to Chief
Matherly to add language to clarify wording in the order.
Motion carried, 5/0
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None.
BOARD INFORMATION
None
STAFF INFORMATION
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Conaway, seconded by Selmer to adjourn into Executive Session based on Section
21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or
federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that government body's
possession or continued receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential
personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school
districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized
elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of government, to
the extent that the government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to
that government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried, 510. Open session adjourned at 6:05 P.M.
REGULAR SESSION
Returned to open session at 6:34 P.M.
CPRB
Oct 8, 2019
Page 3
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subiect to chance)
*NeyembW 13, 2019, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm - November 12, 2019 (correction)
*December 10, 2019, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
*January 14, 2020, 5:30 p.m. Helling Conference Rm
*February 11, 2020, 5:30 p.m. Helling Conference Rm
Conway advised he would be absent for the November meeting.
Olney noted November meeting is the 121 not the 131.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by Townsend, seconded by Conaway.
Motion carried, 5/0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:36 P.M.
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2018-2019
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM12M/18
EXP.
118/19
2/20/19
3/12/19
419119
429119
5/14/19
6/11/19
7/11119
8/13119
9/10119
NO
QUORUM
9124/19
1018/19
Donald
King
6/30/19
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
_
Monique
Galpla
6/30/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Orville
Townsend
6/30/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Latisha
McDaniel
6/30/21
X
X
O
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
David
Selmer
6/30/21
O
X
O
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
Sam
Conaway
6/30/23
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = Not a Member
OPS-03 1
USE OF
FORCE
Original Date of Issue General Order Number
April 28, 2001 99-05
Effective Date of Reissue Section Code
October 23, 2019 1 OPS-03
Reevaluation Date Amends
October 2020
C.A.L.E.A. Reference
1.3.1— 1.3.8,1.3.13 (see `INDEX AS")
INDEX AS:
• Use of Force . Use of Force Model
• Reporting • Canine
• Significant Force • Arrests
• Investigation • Warning Shots
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide members of the Iowa City Police Department
with guidelines on the use of deadly and non -deadly force.
II. POLICY
The Iowa City Police Department recognizes and respects the value and special
integrity of each human life. In investing officers with the lawful authority to use force to
protect the public welfare, a careful balancing of all human interests is required.
Therefore, it is the policy of the Iowa City Police Department that police officers shall
use only that force that is reasonable and necessary to accomplish lawful objectives
and effectively bring an incident under control, while protecting the lives of the officers
and others.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Deadly Force (Section 704.2, Code of Iowa) — For the purpose of this
policy, shall mean any of the following:
Force used for the purpose of causing serious injury.
2. Force which the actor knows, or reasonably should know, will
create a strong probability that serious injury will result.
The discharge of a firearm, in the direction of some person with the
knowledge of the person's presence there, even though no intent to
inflict serious physical injury can be shown.
4. The discharge of a firearm, at a vehicle in which a person is known
to be.
B. Serious Iniu[y (Section 702.18 Code of Iowa) — Means 1. disabling mental
illness; or 2. bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which
causes serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment
of the function of any bodily member or organ.
C. Use of Force — Any contact applied by an officer that significantly restricts
or alters the actions of another and/or compels compliance with the
demands or instructions of the officer. This includes the use of restraint
devices such as handcuffs.
D. Verbal Commands/Directives — Verbal communication by an officer
directing someone to perform or not to perform an act: e.g. "Stop", "Don't
move", "Put your hands up", or "Get on the ground".
E. De-escalation - Taking action to stabilize a situation and reduce the
immediacy of a threat so that more time, options, and resources are
available to resolve the situation. The goal of de-escalation is to gain the
voluntary compliance of subjects, when feasible, and thereby reduce or
eliminate the necessity to use physical force.
F. De-escalation Techniques - Actions used by members of the department,
that seek to minimize the likelihood of the need to use force during an
incident and increase the likelihood of gaining voluntary compliance from a
subject. Note that these techniques should only be employed when it is
safe to do so.
IV. THE REASONABLENESS OF THE USE OF FORCE
The use of force is analyzed under the Fourth Amendment. "The right to be free
from excessive force is included under the Fourth Amendment's prohibition
against unreasonable seizure of the person." Andrews v. Fuoss, 417 F.3d 813,
OPS-03.3
818 (81h Cir. 2005). On the other hand, "the right to make an arrest or
investigatory stop necessarily carries with it the right to use some degree of
physical coercion or threat thereof to effect it." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct.
1865, 1872 (1989).
A. Reasonable Officer: Objective Standard
1. "The 'Reasonableness' of a particular use of force must be judged from the
perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene rather than with the 20i20
vision of hindsight." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 1872 (1989).
2. "Reasonableness" also takes into account that police officers make
judgments in a split second under circumstances that are "tense, uncertain,
and rapidly evolving - about the amount of force that is necessary in a
particular situation." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 1872 (1989).
3. Reasonableness is "not capable of precise definition or mechanical
application." Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S. 520, 559 (1979). Reasonableness is
determined by the totality of circumstances, which include the "severity of the
crime at issue, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety
of the officers or others, and whether he is actively resisting arrest or
attempting to evade arrest by flight." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865,
1872 (1989).
B. The Code of Iowa authorizes the use of force in making an arrest and
preventing an escape.
1. Section 804.8 Use of force by peace officer making an arrest.
A peace officer, while making a lawful arrest, is justified in the use of any
force which the peace officer reasonably believes to be necessary to effect
the arrest or to defend any person from bodily harm while making the arrest.
However, the use of deadly force is only justified when a person cannot be
captured any other way and either:
a. The person has used or threatened to use deadly force in
committing a felony, or
b. The peace officer reasonably believes the person would use deadly
force against any person unless immediately apprehended.
A peace officer making an arrest pursuant to an invalid warrant is justified in
the use of any force which the peace officer would be justified in using if the
warrant were valid, unless the peace officer knows that the warrant is invalid.
2. Section 804.13 Use of force in preventing an escape.
A peace officer or other person who has an arrested person in custody is
justified in the use of such force to prevent the escape of the arrested person
T
from custody as the officer or other person would be justified in using if the
officer or other person were arresting such person.
1. Purpose of statement
a. To delineate the Department's policy regarding the use of deadly
force.
b. To establish policies under which the use of deadly force is
permissible.
2. Policy
a. Officers of the Iowa City Police Department may use deadly force
to stop or incapacitate an assailant to prevent serious bodily injury
or death. For this purpose and to minimize danger to innocent
bystanders, the officer should shoot at the center body mass,
whenever possible.
b. An officer may use deadly force to protect him/her or others from
what he/she reasonably believes to be an imminent threat of death
or serious injury.
c. An officer may use deadly force to effect the capture or prevent
escape if:
i. The person used or threatened to use deadly force in
committing a felony, and
ii. The peace officer reasonably believes the person would use
deadly force against a person unless immediately
apprehended.
d. Provided the criteria for paragraph 2(a), 2(b) or 2(c) have been
satisfied, no distinction shall be made relative to the age of the
intended target.
e. Warning shots by officers of the Iowa City Police Department are
prohibited.
f. A verbal warning shall be utilized prior to an officer discharging a
weapon unless it would compromise the safety of the officer or
others.
OPS-03.5
g. Shooting at or from a moving vehicle is prohibited, except under the
following circumstances:
When the occupant of the vehicle is utilizing deadly force
against the police officer or other persons.
As a last resort to prevent death or serious injury to officers or
other persons.
iii. As a last resort to apprehend a person who has just committed
a felony resulting in death or serious injury.
iv. The discharge of firearms shall not be utilized when
circumstances do not provide a high probability of striking an
intended target or when there is substantial risk to the safety
of other persons, including the risk of causing vehicle
accidents.
3. Injuries resulting from use of force.
a. Officers shall render appropriate first aid to any person injured or
complaining of pain following the use of force.
b. EMS will be summoned to the scene to ensure delivery of
appropriate medical treatment when:
I. Requested by the subject(s) involved.
ii. The extent of an injury is unknown or not visible.
iii. The nature or extent of the injury dictates.
c. Officers shall err on the side of caution, requesting EMS to respond
to the scene if in doubt about the existence or extent of an injury.
4. Surrender of firearm.
When officers discharge a firearm that results in personal injury or death
to any person, the officer or employee shall surrender that firearm to
his/her supervisor or a higher authority consistent with departmental
directives. Firearms involved in police shooting incidents shall not be
unloaded, cleaned, nor in anyway altered from the condition
immediately following discharge other than to make the weapon safe for
transport.
a. When more than one officer or weapon has been involved in a
shooting situation resulting in any injury or death, the involved
weapons must be surrendered to the commanding officer in
accordance with departmental directives.
OPS-03.6
b. The commanding officer receiving such firearm or firearms shall
immediately secure and document the same as evidence.
B. LESS LETHAL FORCE
Where deadly force is not authorized under this policy, officers should
assess the incident in order to determine which less lethal technique will
best de-escalate the incident and bring it under control in a safe manner.
Officers shall use no more force than is reasonably necessary to gain
control of an individual or situation. Officers are authorized to use force
consistent with the Use of Force model.
2. An officer shall use no more force than that officer reasonably feels is
necessary in the performance of their official duties. Use of force by an
officer is justified in, but not limited to, the following situations:
a. To protect the officer or others from physical harm.
b. To control an arrestee or a potentially violent person.
c. To restrain or subdue a resistant individual. Approved restraint
devices are handcuffs (hinged and chain style), flex -cuffs and nylon
leg restraints.
d. To bring an unlawful situation safely and effectively under control.
3. Officers shall offer medical treatment to any non -combative person who
has been exposed to a chemical irritant / OC spray. Officers shall
decontaminate a person exposed to a chemical irritant and continue to
monitor the condition of that person until they are no longer in the
custody of the officer.
C. NOTIFICATIONS
Any officer who discharges a firearm in the course of their duty, shall
immediately contact his/her supervisor. (This does not apply to animal
euthanasia where supervisory permission to discharge the weapon must
be sought prior to the destruction of the animal (see section B in
"REPORTING USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS") or training situations) If
this is not practical, the officer shall contact the on -duty patrol supervisor.
The notified supervisor shall then contact the following individuals:
a. The involved officer's Division Commander.
I. It shall be the Division Commander's responsibility to notify the
Chief of Police.
ii. If the Division Commander cannot be notified, a watch
supervisor shall notify the Chief of Police.
OPS-03.7
b. The County Attorney of the county in which the incident occurred.
C. The City Attorney.
d. The City Manager.
e. The Criminal Investigation Commander or his/her designee.
f. Other as Required by the Mandatory Call Matrix
2. The on -duty watch supervisor shall be immediately notified or
summoned to the scene of any incident where use of force results in a
physical injury.
3. The on -duty watch supervisor shall be immediately notified when a
chemical irritant / OC spray is utilized.
4. The on -duty watch supervisor shall be immediately noted when a
conducted energy device is discharged.
D. REPORTING USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS
1. Discharge of Firearms — report required.
Any officer who discharges a firearm for any reason or purpose other
than those exceptions listed in this section, shall make a written report to
his/her immediate supervisor as soon as circumstances permit. This
written report will then be forwarded through the chain of command to
the Chief of Police for review. Exceptions to the requirement of a written
report apply to the following circumstances in which no accident or injury
results:
a. The discharge of firearms on firearm ranges or in an area for
firearms practice.
b. Sporting events to include lawful hunting and organized shooting
matches.
2. When, in accordance with applicable law, it becomes necessary for an
officer to discharge a firearm to destroy an animal which presents a
danger or is seriously injured or ill, the officer will, prior to discharging the
firearm, request permission to do so from the on -duty supervisor. If such
action must be immediately taken in order to protect the officer's or
another person's safety, the officer need not delay action in order to
request this permission. In this circumstance, however, the Watch
Supervisor must be notified immediately after the firearm is used. A Use
of Force report is required.
3. Administrative Review Committee.
C91Z. M
a. Use of force incidents shall be reviewed by a committee consisting
of a minimum of three sworn personnel.
I. The committee should consist of two supervisors as
designated by the Chief of Police and one officer -preferably a
use of force instructor. To provide differing perspectives, the
Chief of Police may appoint multiple committees that alternate
review responsibilities.
ii. This group should, at a minimum, meet every month to review
the Use of Force Reports from the previous month.
iii. The purpose of this committee shall be to review all facts and
reports concerning use of force incidents to determine whether
policy, training, equipment, or disciplinary issues should be
addressed. This committee will make recommendations on
these matters to the Chief of Police.
b. All non-use of force firearms discharges (e.g. accidental/negligent
discharge), with the exception of the destruction of animals which are
reviewed by the Use of Force Committee, shall be reviewed in a
manner consistent with General Order 99-06: Internal Affairs
Investigations as assigned by a Division Commander.
I. At a minimum, this will consist of a Report of Inquiry and
supervisory review.
ii. The Division Commander and the Training and Accreditation
Sergeant will review the investigation and findings to identify
any training recommendations which are necessary, and/or
any need for policy changes. Recommendations on these
matters will be forwarded to the Chief of Police.
4. Use of Force Reports.
a. A Use of Force Report with a written narrative regarding any use of
force incident will be submitted in addition to any incident report.
The report(s) shall contain the following information:
i. Arrestee/suspect information.
ii. Incident number(s), date and time of incident, and reporting
officer.
iii. Description of actual resistance encountered.
iv. All required fields completed in Use of Force report.
I
v. The force used by the officer to overcome the resistance and
the specific weapon or technique used.
vi. A description of any alleged or actual injuries to either the
officer or suspect.
vii. Pictures taken of any injuries to either the officer or suspect.
viii. Exposure to Chemical Irritant / OC spray will additionally
require the documentation of medical treatment being offered,
supervisor notification, and decontamination procedures.
ix. A Conducted Energy Device deployment will additionally
require the documentation of medical treatment, if medical
treatment is refused by the suspect, supervisor notification,
and the number of cycles/applications used.
b. When the only use of force is the application of handcuffs, double
locked, no use of force report is necessary. The application of
handcuffs, double locked will be documented on a written complaint
or citation or in the body of an incident report.
c. A supervisor of the reporting person shall review the report for
adherence to Department policy and procedure and document their
conclusions.
d. All reports concerning use of force shall be forwarded to the
Sergeant of Planning/Research.
e. The Captain of Field Operations and Chief of Police shall review all
use of force reports where any participant is injured during the use
of force and/or where a deadly force option has been utilized
(excludes display of a weapon).
5. Executive Review.
At a minimum, the Chief of Police and/or designee will conduct a
documented analysis of all reports and incidents of force annually. An
analysis of reports and incidents of force could reveal patterns or trends
that indicate training needs, equipment upgrades and/or policy
modifications.
When any member of the police department is involved in an incident
resulting in death or serious injury, a thorough and objective
investigation of facts and circumstances will be initiated as soon as
OPS-03.10
practical by the Chief of Police's designees and completed as soon as
practical.
2. The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall decide whether the DCI
and/or any other outside agency shall be called to assist in the
investigation.
3. If an incident resulting in death or serious injury which involves a sworn
Iowa City police officer occurs in another police jurisdiction, the officer
shall cooperate with that jurisdiction, as set forth in Iowa City Police
Department directives.
4. The on -duty watch commander/supervisor shall ensure that appropriate
case reports are initiated and that potential evidence is preserved.
The officer(s) or employee involved in the death or serious injury shall be
relieved of field duty without the loss of pay or benefits, pending the
results of the departmental investigation. Other officers or employees
involved in the incident also may be relieved of field duty without loss of
pay or benefits at the discretion of the Chief of Police, while the
investigation is pending:
a. The officer or employee shall be available at all times for official
interviews and statements regarding the case, and shall be subject
to recall to duty at any time. The officer or employee must receive
permission from the Chief of Police, or from their Division
Commander, prior to leaving the area. If such permission is given,
the officer or employee shall supply the phone number(s) of his/her
location and duration of the absence.
The officer or employee will not discuss the case with anyone
except the prosecuting attorney and/or persons designated by the
Chief of Police or their designee. This does not prohibit the officer
or employee from discussions with his/her attorney. If the officer or
employee may be the subject of internal review or criminal charges,
his/her constitutional rights and administrative protections will be
maintained. The officer or employee will attend post -traumatic
stress counseling at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
c. At the discretion of the Chief of Police, the officer or employee may
be returned to duty upon departmental receipt of notification from
the counselor or mental health professional indicating the officer's
fitness for duty.
The investigation and administrative leave policy outlined herein is not
intended to imply or indicate the officer or employee has acted
improperly, but is designed to safeguard the officer or employee and the
Department.
OPS-03.11
7. The Chief of Police may appoint one or more individuals to conduct a
separate yet parallel (administrative) investigation into a use of force
incident to ensure all personnel followed departmental policies and
guidelines.
VI. USE OF FORCE MODEL
A. Police officers are given the unique right to use force, even deadly
force, against others for legitimate law enforcement purposes. The right
to use force carries with it an obligation to use that force in a responsible
manner. Police agencies have an obligation to provide their employees
with the policies, training, and tools necessary to accomplish their
mission. Selection of a use of force response from the options articulated
in this model will be based on: the skills, knowledge, and ability of the
officer; the perceived threat and amount of resistance offered by a
subject; and consideration of the situational framework. A defined Use of
Force Model will enhance the department's ability to manage the use of
force and will benefit the officer by providing guidance, resources, and
options.
B. Officers of the Iowa City Police Department shall follow the principles of
the Use of Force Model. The model describes an escalation of force,
which is based on a reasonable officer's perception of threat or
resistance. As a subject's resistance escalates, more force options
become available to the officer. When resistance stops, the officer must
de-escalate, but only after control (e.g. handcuffing) is accomplished.
Officers of the Iowa City Police Department must generally employ the
tools, tactics, and timing of force utilization consistent with the Model's
proscription and training protocols. Due to the fact that officer/member of
the public confrontations occur in environments that are potentially
unpredictable, "tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving" (Graham v.
Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 1872 (1989)) the officer may utilize tools,
tactics, and timing outside the parameters of the Model. However, these
applications of force must meet the same test of reasonableness as
those which have been previously identified and approved by the
Department.
C. When safe under the totality of the circumstances and If time and
circumstances permit, members of the department shall use de-
escalation techniques in order to reduce the need for force.
De-escalation techniques are actions used by members of the department
that seek to minimize the likelihood of the need to use force during an
incident and increase the likelihood of gaining voluntary compliance from a
subject. Note that these techniques should only be employed when it is
safe to do so.
When safe and feasible under the totality of circumstances, members of
the department shall attempt to slow down or stabilize the situation so that
more time, options and resources are available for incident resolution.
When time and circumstances reasonably permit, members of the
department shall consider whether a subject's lack of compliance is a
deliberate attempt to resist or an inability to comply based on factors
including, but not limited to:
Medical conditions
Mental impairment
Developmental disability
Physical limitation
Language barrier
Drug interaction
Behavioral crisis
An officer's awareness of these possibilities, when time and
circumstances reasonably permit, shall then be balanced against the facts
of the incident facing the officer when deciding which tactical options are
the most appropriate to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
Mitigating the immediacy of threat gives officers of the department time to
utilize extra resources, and increases time available to call more officers
or specialty units.
The number of officers on scene may increase the available force options
and may increase the ability to reduce the overall force used.
Other examples include:
Placing barriers between an uncooperative subject and an officer
Containing a threat
Moving from a position that exposes officers to potential threats to a
safer position
Decreasing the exposure to potential threat by using
- Distance
- Cover
- Concealment
Communicating from a safe position intended to gain the subject's
compliance, using:
- Verbal persuasion
- Advisements
- Warnings
OPS-03.13
Avoiding physical confrontation, unless immediately necessary (for
example, to protect someone, or stop dangerous behavior)
Using verbal de-escalation techniques to generate cooperation and gain
voluntary compliance.
Calling extra resources to assist or officers to assist:
- More officers
- CIT officers
- Officers equipped with less -lethal tools
- Supervisors.
* Using any other tactics and approaches that attempt to achieve
gaining the compliance of the subject.
D. Reasonable officer's perception/Reasonable officer's response (see
attached matrix)
VII. CIVILIAN OFFICERS (COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ANIMAL
CONTROL OFFICERS)
A. Community Service Officers assigned to the road and Animal Control Officers
shall carry chemical irritants (OC) under this policy for the sole purpose of
self-defense from persons or from animals.
B. When dealing with upset persons, civilian officers must first attempt to
deescalate the situation, if it is reasonable to do so, by backing away from the
situation to a place of safety (vehicle or other barrier) and calling for a sworn
officer to come to the scene. If after attempting to deescalate the situation, the
civilian officer reasonably believes that they are going to be assaulted, the
officer may deploy their chemical irritant in a manner consistent with training.
C. When dealing with aggressive animals, civilian officers should try backing
away from the situation to a place of safety (vehicle or other barrier) and call
for a sworn officer to come to the scene to assist. If the civilian officer is
unable to make it to a place of safety and they reasonably believe that they
may be attacked, the officer may deploy their chemical irritant at the animal in
a manner consistent with training.
D. Civilian officers that deploy chemical agents at a person are subject to all
reporting requirements set forth in this policy. Additionally, they are
responsible to immediately contact the on duty Watch supervisor as well as
summoning medical personnel to the scene for any injuries.
E. Civilian officers that deploy chemical agents at an animal shall notify their
supervisor to make them aware that a chemical agent was deployed as well
as the circumstances involved.
1019-
F. When dealing with persons, a civilian officer will be held to the "Reasonable
officer's perception/Reasonable officer's response" standard. (see level four
and five in the attached matrix)
VIII. PREREQUISITES TO CARRYING LETHAL / LESS LETHAL
WEAPONS
All personnel authorized to carry weapons intended for use of force
application must receive training on their use from the perspectives of
practical application and organizational policy. Instruction should include
confirmation of employee understanding of legal implications and
requirements, weapon specific operating and care procedures,
documentation and reporting procedures, and obligations following the
use of force.
IX. FBI NATIONAL USE of FORCE DATA COLLECTION
The Department voluntarily participates in the FBI National Use of Force Data
Collection. The sergeant of planning and research shall track the following use of
force incidents:
When a fatality to a person occurs connected to a use of force by an Iowa
City police officer.
When there is serious bodily injury to a person connected to a use of force
by an Iowa City police officer. For this section the definition of serious
bodily injury will be based, in part, upon Title 18, United States Code,
Section 2246 (4). The term "serious bodily injury" means "bodily injury that
involves a substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, protracted and
obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a
bodily member, organ, or mental faculty."
In the absence of either death or serious bodily injury, when a firearm is
discharged by an Iowa City police officer at or in the direction of a person.
When an incident meeting the above criteria is met the sergeant of planning and
research shall report the following information to the FBI:
Incident Information
Date and time of the incident
Total number of officers who applied actual force during the incident
Number of officers from the Iowa City Police Department who applied
actual force during the incident
Location of the incident (address or latitude/longitude)
OPS-03.15
Location type of the incident (street, business, residence, restaurant,
school, etc.)
Did the officer(s) approach the subject(s)?
Was it an ambush incident?
Was a supervisor or a senior officer acting in a supervisory capacity
present or consulted at any point during the incident?
What was the reason for initial contact between the subject and the officer
(response to unlawful or suspicious activity, routine patrol, traffic stop,
etc.)?
If the initial contact was due to "unlawful or criminal activity," what were
the most serious reported offenses committed by the subject prior to or at
the time of the incident?
If applicable, the National Incident -Based Reporting System or local
incident number of the report detailing criminal incident information on the
subject and/or assault or homicide of a law enforcement officer
If the incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies, the case
numbers for the local use -of -force reports at the other agencies
Subject Information
- Age, sex, race, ethnicity, height, and weight
- Injury/death of subject(s) (gunshot wound, apparent broken bones,
unconsciousness, etc.)
- Type(s) of force used connected to serious bodily injury or death (firearm,
electronic control weapon, explosive device, blunt instrument, etc.)
- Did the subject(s) resist?
- Was the threat by the subject(s) directed to the officer or to another party?
Type(s) of subject resistance/weapon involvement (threatened officer,
threatened others, threatened self, active aggression, firearm, attempt to
flee, etc.)
Was there an apparent or known impairment in the physical condition of
subject? If yes, indicate which (mental health/alcohol/drugs/unknown)
At any time during the incident, was the subject(s) armed or believed to be
armed with a weapon?
OPS-03.16
Officer Information
Age, sex, race, ethnicity, height, and weight
Years of service as a law enforcement officer (total tenure, number of
years)
At the time of the incident, was the officer a full-time employee?
Was the officer readily identifiable?
Was the officer on duty at the time of the incident?
Did the officer discharge a firearm?
Was the officer injured?
What was the officer's injury type (gunshot wound, apparent broken
bones, severe laceration, unconsciousness, etc.)
Jody Matherly, Chief of Police
WARNING
This directive is for departmental use only and does not apply in any criminal or civil
proceeding. The department policy should not be construed as a creation of higher
legal standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense with respect to third -party
claims. Violations of this directive will only form the basis for departmental
administrative sanctions.
LEVEL ONE
Perception — Subject is compliant
OPS-03 17
Response — Cooperative controls (includes: mental preparation, spatial positioning,
communications skills, handcuffing positions and techniques, searching techniques,
arrest and transport controls)
COOPERATIVE
• -•
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
COMPLIANT: LEVEL 1
COOPERATIVE CONTROLS
>
PERCEPTION SKILLS
MENTAL PREPARATION
>
RISK ASSESSMENT
>
SURVIVAL ORIENTATION
>
OFFICER STANCE
SPATIAL POSITIONING
>
BODY LANGUAGE
>
RELATIVE POSITIONING
VERBAL
- VERBAL COMMANDSIDIRECTIVES
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
'
- VERBAL DE-ESCALATION
TECHNIQUES
>
NON-VERBAL
>
WALL
>
STANDING
HANDCUFFING POSITIONS
>
PRONE
>
KNEELING
HANDCUFFING TECHNIQUE
>
CONTROLLED
>
WALL
>
STANDING
SEARCHING TECHNIQUES
>
PRONE
>
KNEELING
>
OPPOSITE SEX
SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES
>
FRISK
>
STRIP
>
SINGLE OFFICER
ARREST TECHNIQUES
>
MULTIPLE OFFICERS
>
SINGLE OFFICER
ESCORT CONTROLS
>
MULTIPLE OFFICERS
>
SINGLE OFFICER
TRANSPORT CONTROLS
>
MULTIPLE OFFICERS
LEVEL TWO
Perception — Subject is passively resistant
Response — Contact controls (includes: contact controls, conflict management
techniques, M mass formation arrest techniques — multiple officer lifts,
stretchers, wheelchairs etc.)
USE OF FORCE MODEL -FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
RESISTIVE (Passive): LEVEL 2 CONTACT CONTROLS
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options from lower Levels
> VERBAL
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - VERBAL DIRECTIVES
-VERBAL DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES
>NON-VERBAL
> ARM
CONTACT CONTROLS > WRIST
> HAND
> ESCORT TECHNIQUES
ARREST TECHNIQUES > TRANSPORT TECHNIQUES
> MASS FORMATION
OPS-03.19
LEVEL THREE
Perception — Subject is actively resistant
Response — Compliance techniques (includes: neuromuscular controls, joint
manipulation, nerve compression, chemical irritants, e.g. OC spray, controlled stopping
devices for fleeing vehicle incidents)
COMPLIANCE TECHNIQUES
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
RESISTANT (Active): LEVEL 3 COMPLIANCE TECHNIQUES
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options from lower Levels
> NERVE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES
COMPLIANCE CONTROLS > CHEMICAL IRRITANTS, CROWD CONTROL
CHEMICAL MUNITIONS
> CONTROL TACTICS
> HEAD
NERVE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES: > NECK
NEURO-MUSCULAR CONTROLS > ARM
> LEG
CONTROL TACTICS > WRIST ROTATION
> ELBOW LEVERAGE
BICYCLE > TAKE DOWN TECHNIQUES
VEHICLE PURSUIT TACTICS > COMMUNICATIONS/ASSESSMENT SKILLS
> PACING/TRAILING TECHNIQUES
C479.�1
LEVEL FOUR
Perception — Subject is physically assaultive and may cause bodily injury
Response — Defensive tactics (includes: personal weapon defense, e.g. hands, knees,
feet, active countermeasures, etc.; impact weapons, e.g. ASP, weapon retention
techniques, conducted energy devices)
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
ASSAULTIVE Potential Bodily Harm): LEVEL 4
DEFENSIVE TACTICS
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options
from lower Levels
> HEAD
> HANDS
PERSONAL WEAPON DEFENSES
> ELBOWS
> FEET
> KNEES
IMPACT WEAPONS (ASP)
> STRIKES
> IMPACT PROJECTILES
> CANINE OPERATIONS
LESS LETHAL WEAPONS
> CONDUCTED ENERGY
DEVICES
> OTHER OPTIONS
> FRONT
WEAPON RETENTION TECHNIQUES (Less Lethal)
> REAR
> SIDE
OTHER WEAPONS
CANINE*
> CONTROL/APPREHENSION
TECHNIQUES
*Deployment of canine for apprehension/protection shall be preceded by actions of
suspect which are consistent with Level 4 (Assaultive — Potential Bodily Harm) behavior.
The exception to this is the deployment of canine for building searches or related
circumstances, where the suspect actions are not known. In this circumstance
procedures spelled out in the "Canine Operations" General Order (99-04) shall be
followed.
OPS-03.21
LEVEL FIVE
Perception - Subject is assaultive and likely to cause SERIOUS bodily injury or death
Response- Deadly force (includes: weapon/weapons attack defense, lethal force
utilization with service/supplemental weapons, forcible stopping techniques for assault
with vehicle incidents)
USE OF FORGE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
ASSAULTIVE (Serious Bodily Harm/Death):
LEVEL 5
DEADLY FORCE
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options
from lower Levels
> WEAPON
ATTACK DEFENSE
> WEAPONLESS
> WEAPON RETENTION
TECHNIQUES
LETHAL FORCE UTILIZATION
> SERVICE WEAPON
> SUPPLEMENTAL WEAPON
> OTHER OPTIONS
OTHER OPTIONS:
FORCIBLE STOPPING TECHNIQUES
> CONTACT
> ROADBLOCK
REDLINE VERSION
Red highlights are deletions
Green highlights are additions
USE OF
FORCE
Original Date of Issue General Order Number
April 28, 2001 99-05
Effective Date of Reissue Section Code
October 23, 2019 1 OPS-03
Reevaluation Date Amends
October 2020
C.A.L.E.A. Reference
1.3.1—1.3.8, 1.3.13 (see `INDEX AS")
INDEX AS;
• Use of Force
• Reporting
• Significant Force
• Investigation
• Use of Force Model
• Canine
• Arrests
• Warning Shots
OPS-03.1
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide members of the Iowa City Police Department
with guidelines on the use of deadly and non -deadly force.
II. POLICY
The Iowa City Police Department recognizes and respects the value and special
integrity of each human life. In investing officers with the lawful authority to use force to
protect the public welfare, a careful balancing of all human interests is required.
Therefore, it is the policy of the Iowa City Police Department that police officers shall
use only that force that is reasonable and necessary to accomplish lawful objectives
and effectively bring an incident under control, while protecting the lives of the officers
and others.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Deadly Force (Section 704.2, Code of Iowa) — For the purpose of this
policy, shall mean any of the following:
Force used for the purpose of causing serious injury.
Force which the actor knows, or reasonably should know, will
create a strong probability that serious injury will result.
3. The discharge of a firearm, in the direction of some person with the
knowledge of the person's presence there, even though no intent to
inflict serious physical injury can be shown.
4. The discharge of a firearm, at a vehicle in which a person is known
to be.
B. Serious Iniury (Section 702.18 Code of Iowa) — Means 1. disabling mental
illness; or 2. bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which
causes serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment
of the function of any bodily member or organ.
C. Use of Force — Any contact applied by an officer that significantly restricts
or alters the actions of another and/or compels compliance with the
demands or instructions of the officer. This includes the use of restraint
devices such as handcuffs.
D. Verbal Commands/Directives — Verbal communication by an officer
directing someone to perform or not to perform an act: e.g. "Stop", "Don't
move", "Put your hands up", or "Get on the ground".
E. De-escalation - Taking action to stabilize a situation and reduce the
immediacy of a threat so that more time, options, and resources are
available to resolve the situation. The goal of de-escalation is to gain the
voluntary compliance of subjects, when feasible, and thereby reduce or
eliminate the necessity to use physical force.
F. De-escalation Techniques - Actions used by members of the department,
that seek to minimize the likelihood of the need to use force during an
incident and increase the likelihood of gaining voluntary compliance from a
subject. Note that these techniques should only be employed when it is
safe to do so.
IV. THE REASONABLENESS OF THE USE OF FORCE
The use of force is analyzed under the Fourth Amendment. "The right to be free
from excessive force is included under the Fourth Amendment's prohibition
against unreasonable seizure of the person." Andrews v. FUOss, 417 F.3d 813,
OPS-03.3
818 (8th Cir. 2005). On the other hand, "the right to make an arrest or
investigatory stop necessarily carries with it the right to use some degree of
physical coercion or threat thereof to effect it." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct.
1865, 1872 (1989).
A. Reasonable Officer: Objective Standard
1. "The 'Reasonableness' of a particular use of force must be judged from the
perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene rather than with the 20i20
vision of hindsight." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 1872 (1989).
2. "Reasonableness" also takes into account that police officers make
judgments in a split second under circumstances that are "tense, uncertain,
and rapidly evolving - about the amount of force that is necessary in a
particular situation." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 1872 (1989).
3. Reasonableness is "not capable of precise definition or mechanical
application." Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S. 520, 559 (1979). Reasonableness is
determined by the totality of circumstances, which include the "severity of the
crime at issue, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety
of the officers or others, and whether he is actively resisting arrest or
attempting to evade arrest by flight." Graham v. Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865,
1872 (1989).
B. The Code of Iowa authorizes the use of force in making an arrest and
preventing an escape.
1. Section 804.8 Use of force by peace officer making an arrest.
A peace officer, while making a lawful arrest, is justified in the use of any
force which the peace officer reasonably believes to be necessary to effect
the arrest or to defend any person from bodily harm while making the arrest.
However, the use of deadly force is only justfed when a person cannot be
captured any other way and either:
a. The person has used or threatened to use deadly force in
committing a felony, or
b. The peace officer reasonably believes the person would use deadly
force against any person unless immediately apprehended.
A peace officer making an arrest pursuant to an invalid warrant is justified in
the use of any force which the peace officer would be justified in using if the
warrant were valid, unless the peace officer knows that the warrant is invalid.
2. Section 804.13 Use of force in preventing an escape.
A peace officer or other person who has an arrested person in custody is
justified in the use of such force to prevent the escape of the arrested person
•' 1
from custody as the officer or other person would be justified in using if the
officer or other person were arresting such person.
V. PROCEDURES
a ,1 •.
1. Purpose of statement
a. To delineate the Department's policy regarding the use of deadly
force.
b. To establish policies under which the use of deadly force is
permissible.
2. Policy
Officers of the Iowa City Police Department may use deadly force
to stop or incapacitate an assailant to prevent serious bodily injury
or death. For this purpose and to minimize danger to innocent
bystanders, the officer should shoot at the center body mass,
whenever possible.
b. An officer may use deadly force to protect him/her or others from
what he/she reasonably believes to be an imminent threat of death
or serious injury.
c. An officer may use deadly force to effect the capture or prevent
escape if:
I. The person used or threatened to use deadly force in
committing a felony, and
ii. The peace officer reasonably believes the person would use
deadly force against a person unless immediately
apprehended.
d.
no distinction shall be made relative to the age of the
intended target.
e. Warning shots by officers of the Iowa City Police Department are
prohibited.
f. A verbal warning shall be utilized prior to an officer discharging a
weapon unless it would compromise the safety of the officer or
others.
g. Shooting at or from a moving vehicle is prohibited, except under the
following circumstances:
I. When the occupant of the vehicle is utilizing deadly force
against the police officer or other persons.
ii. As a last resort to prevent death or serious injury to officers or
other persons.
iii. As a last resort to apprehend a person who has just committed
a felony resulting in death or serious injury.
iv. The discharge of firearms shall not be utilized when
circumstances do not provide a high probability of striking an
intended target or when there is substantial risk to the safety
of other persons, including the risk of causing vehicle
accidents.
3. Injuries resulting from use of force.
a. Officers shall render appropriate first aid to any person injured or
complaining of pain following the use of force.
b. EMS will be summoned to the scene to ensure delivery of
appropriate medical treatment when:
I. Requested by the subject(s) involved.
ii. The extent of an injury is unknown or not visible.
iii. The nature or extent of the injury dictates.
c. Officers shall err on the side of caution, requesting EMS to respond
to the scene if in doubt about the existence or extent of an injury.
4. Surrender of firearm.
When officers discharge a firearm that results in personal injury or death
to any person, the officer or employee shall surrender that firearm to
his/her supervisor or a higher authority consistent with departmental
directives. Firearms involved in police shooting incidents shall not be
unloaded, cleaned, nor in any way altered from the condition
immediately following discharge other than to make the weapon safe for
transport.
a. When more than one officer or weapon has been involved in a
shooting situation resulting in any injury or death, the involved
weapons must be surrendered to the commanding officer in
accordance with departmental directives.
The commanding officer receiving such firearm or firearms shall
immediately secure and document the same as evidence.
B. LESS LETHAL FORCE
Where deadly force is not authorized under this policy, officers should
assess the incident in order to determine which less lethal technique will
best de-escalate the incident and bring it under control in a safe manner.
Officers shall use no more force than is reasonably necessary to gain
control of an individual or situation. Officers are authorized to use force
consistent with the Use of Force model.
2. An officer shall use no more force than that officer reasonably feels is
necessary in the performance of their official duties. Use of force by an
officer is justified in, but not limited to, the following situations:
a. To protect the officer or others from physical harm.
b. To control an arrestee or a potentially violent person.
c. To restrain or subdue a resistant individual. Approved restraint
devices are handcuffs (hinged and chain style), flex -cuffs and nylon
leg restraints.
d. To bring an unlawful situation safely and effectively under control.
3. Officers shall offer medical treatment to any non -combative person who
has been exposed to a chemical irritant / OC spray. Officers shall
decontaminate a person exposed to a chemical irritant and continue to
monitor the condition of that person until they are no longer in the
custody of the officer.
C. NOTIFICATIONS
Any officer who discharges a firearm in the course of their duty, shall
immediately contact his/her supervisor. (This does not apply to animal
euthanasia where supervisory permission to discharge the weapon must
be sought prior to the destruction of the animal (see section B in
"REPORTING USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS") or training situations) If
this is not practical, the officer shall contact the on -duty patrol supervisor.
The notified supervisor shall then contact the following individuals:
a. The involved officer's Division Commander.
1. It shall be the Division Commander's responsibility to notify the
Chief of Police. .
ii. If the Division Commander cannot be notified, a watch
supervisor shall notify the Chief of Police.
OPS-43.7
b. The County Attorney of the county in which the incident occurred.
c. The City Attorney.
d. The City Manager.
e. The Criminal Investigation Commander or his/her designee.
f. Other as Required by the Mandatory Call Matrix
2. The on -duty watch supervisor shall be immediately notified or
summoned to the scene of any incident where use of force results in a
physical injury.
The on -duty watch supervisor shall be immediately notified when a
chemical irritant / OC spray is utilized.
4. The on -duty watch supervisor shall be immediately notified when a
conducted energy device is discharged.
D. REPORTING USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS
1. Discharge of Firearms— report required.
Any officer who discharges a firearm for any reason or purpose other
than those exceptions listed in this section, shall make a written report to
his/her immediate supervisor as soon as circumstances permit. This
written report will then be forwarded through the chain of command to
the Chief of Police for review. Exceptions to the requirement of a written
report apply to the following circumstances in which no accident or injury
results:
a. The discharge of firearms on firearm ranges or in an area for
firearms practice.
b. Sporting events to include lawful hunting and organized shooting
matches.
2. When, in accordance with applicable law, it becomes necessary for an
officer to discharge a firearm to destroy an animal which presents a
danger or is seriously injured or ill, the officer will, prior to discharging the
firearm, request permission to do so from the on -duty supervisor. If such
action must be immediately taken in order to protect the officer's or
another person's safety, the officer need not delay action in order to
request this permission. In this circumstance, however, the Watch
Supervisor must be notified immediately after the firearm is used. A Use
of Force report is required.
3. Administrative Review Committee.
Use of force incidents shall be reviewed by a committee consisting
of a minimum of three sworn personnel.
i. The committee should consist of two supervisors as
designated by the Chief of Police and one officer -preferably a
use of force instructor. To provide differing perspectives, the
Chief of Police may appoint multiple committees that alternate
review responsibilities.
ii. This group should, at a minimum, meet every month to review
the Use of Force Reports from the previous month.
W. The purpose of this committee shall be to review all facts and
reports concerning use of force incidents to determine whether
policy, training, equipment, or disciplinary issues should be
addressed. This committee will make recommendations on
these matters to the Chief of Police.
b. All non-use of force firearms discharges (e.g. accidental/negligent
discharge), with the exception of the destruction of animals which are
reviewed by the Use of Force Committee, shall be reviewed in a
manner consistent with General Order 99-06: Internal Affairs
Investigations as assigned by a Division Commander.
At a minimum, this will consist of a Report of Inquiry and
supervisory review.
ii. The Division Commander and the Training and Accreditation
Sergeant will review the investigation and findings to identify
any training recommendations which are necessary, and/or
any need for policy changes. Recommendations on these
matters will be forwarded to the Chief of Police.
4. Use of Force Reports.
a. A Use of Force Report with a written narrative regarding any use of
force incident will be submitted in addition to any incident report.
The report(s) shall contain the following information:
i. Arrestee/suspect information.
ii. Incident number(s), date and time of incident, and reporting
officer.
ill. Description of actual resistance encountered.
iv. All required fields completed in Use of Force report.
19
OPS-03.9
v. The force used by the officer to overcome the resistance and
the specific weapon or technique used.
vi. A description of any alleged or actual injuries to either the
officer or suspect.
vii. Pictures taken of any injuries to either the officer or suspect.
viii. Exposure to Chemical Irritant / OC spray will additionally
require the documentation of medical treatment being offered,
supervisor notification, and decontamination procedures.
ix. A Conducted Energy Device deployment will additionally
require the documentation of medical treatment, if medical
treatment is refused by the suspect, supervisor notification,
and the number of cycles/applications used.
When the only use of force is the application of handcuffs, double
locked, no use of force report is necessary. The application of
handcuffs, double locked will be documented on a written complaint
or citation or in the body of an incident report.
c. A supervisor of the reporting person shall review the report for
adherence to Department policy and procedure and document their
conclusions.
d. All reports concerning use of force shall be forwarded to the
Sergeant of Planning/Research.
e. The Captain of Field Operations and Chief of Police shall review all
use of force reports where any participant is injured during the use
of force and/or where a deadly force option has been utilized
(excludes display of a weapon).
5. Executive Review.
At a minimum, the Chief of Police and/or designee will conduct a
documented analysis of all reports and incidents of force annually. An
analysis of reports and incidents of force could reveal patterns or trends
that indicate training needs, equipment upgrades and/or policy
modifications.
When any member of the police department is involved in an incident
resulting in death or serious injury, a thorough and objective
investigation of facts and circumstances will be initiated as soon as
C97$►'$IMU41
practical by the Chief of Police's designees and completed as soon as
practical.
2. The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall decide whether the DCI
and/or any other outside agency shall be called to assist in the
investigation.
3. If an incident resulting in death or serious injury which involves a sworn
Iowa City police officer occurs in another police jurisdiction, the officer
shall cooperate with that jurisdiction, as set forth in Iowa City Police
Department directives.
4. The on -duty watch commander/supervisor shall ensure that appropriate
case reports are initiated and that potential evidence is preserved.
5. The officer(s) or employee involved in the death or serious injury shall be
relieved of field duty without the loss of pay or benefits, pending the
results of the departmental investigation. Other officers or employees
involved in the incident also may be relieved of field duty without loss of
pay or benefits at the discretion of the Chief of Police, while the
investigation is pending:
The officer or employee shall be available at all times for official
interviews and statements regarding the case, and shall be subject
to recall to duty at any time. The officer or employee must receive
permission from the Chief of Police, or from their Division
Commander, prior to leaving the area. If such permission is given,
the officer or employee shall supply the phone number(s) of his/her
location and duration of the absence.
b. The officer or employee will not discuss the case with anyone
except the prosecuting attorney and/or persons designated by the
Chief of Police or their designee. This does not prohibit the officer
or employee from discussions with his/her attorney. If the officer or
employee may be the subject of internal review or criminal charges,
his/her constitutional rights and administrative protections will be
maintained. The officer or employee will attend post -traumatic
stress counseling at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
c. At the discretion of the Chief of Police, the officer or employee may
be returned to duty upon departmental receipt of notification from
the counselor or mental health professional indicating the officer's
fitness for duty.
6. The investigation and administrative leave policy outlined herein is not
intended to imply or indicate the officer or employee has acted
improperly, but is designed to safeguard the officer or employee and the
Department.
OPS-03.11
7. The Chief of Police may appoint one or more individuals to conduct a
separate yet parallel (administrative) investigation into a use of force
incident to ensure all personnel followed departmental policies and
guidelines.
VI. USE OF FORCE MODEL
A. Police officers are given the unique right to use force, even deadly
force, against others for legitimate law enforcement purposes. The right
to use force carries with it an obligation to use that force in a responsible
manner. Police agencies have an obligation to provide their employees
with the policies, training, and tools necessary to accomplish their
mission. Selection of a use of force response from the options articulated
in this model will be based on: the skills, knowledge, and ability of the
officer; the perceived threat and amount of resistance offered by a
subject; and consideration of the situational framework. A defined Use of
Force Model will enhance the department's ability to manage the use of
force and will benefit the officer by providing guidance, resources, and
options.
B. Officers of the Iowa City Police Department shall follow the principles of
the Use of Force Model. The model describes an escalation of force,
which is based on a reasonable officer's perception of threat or
resistance. As a subject's resistance escalates, more force options
become available to the officer. When resistance stops, the officer must
de-escalate, but only after control (e.g. handcuffing) is accomplished.
Officers of the Iowa City Police Department must generally employ the
tools, tactics, and timing of force utilization consistent with the Model's
proscription and training protocols. Due to the fact that officer/member of
the public confrontations occur in environments that are potentially
unpredictable, "tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving" (Graham v.
Connor, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 1872 (1989)) the officer may utilize tools,
tactics, and timing outside the parameters of the Model. However, these
applications of force must meet the same test of reasonableness as
those which have been previously identified and approved by the
Department.
C. When safe under the totality of the circumstances and if time and
circumstances permit, members of the department shall use de-
escalation techniques in order to reduce the need for force.
De-escalation techniques are actions used by members of the department
that seek to minimize the likelihood of the need to use force during an
incident and increase the likelihood of gaining voluntary compliance from a
subject. Note that these techniques should only be employed when it is
safe to do so.
OPS-Q3.12
When safe and feasible under the totality of circumstances, members of
the department shall attempt to slow down or stabilize the situation so that
more time, options and resources are available for incident resolution.
When time and circumstances reasonably permit, members of the
department shall consider whether a subject's lack of compliance is a
deliberate attempt to resist or an inability to comply based on factors
including, but not limited to:
Medical conditions
Mental impairment
Developmental disability
Physical limitation
Language barrier
Drug interaction
Behavioral crisis
An officer's awareness of these possibilities, when time and
circumstances reasonably permit, shall then be balanced against the facts
of the incident facing the officer when deciding which tactical options are
the most appropriate to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
Mitigating the immediacy of threat gives officers of the department time to
utilize extra resources, and increases time available to call more officers
or specialty units.
The number of officers on scene may increase the available force options
and may increase the ability to reduce the overall force used.
Other examples include:
Placing barriers between an uncooperative subject and an officer
Containing a threat
Moving from a position that exposes officers to potential threats to a
safer position
Decreasing the exposure to potential threat by using
- Distance
- Cover
- Concealment
Communicating from a safe position intended to gain the subject's
compliance, using:
- Verbal persuasion
- Advisements
- Warnings
OPS-03.13
Avoiding physical confrontation, unless immediately necessary (for
example, to protect someone, or stop dangerous behavior)
Using verbal de-escalation techniques to generate cooperation and gain
voluntary compliance.
Calling extra resources to assist or officers to assist:
- More officers
- CIT officers
- Officers equipped with less -lethal tools
- Supervisors.
Using any other tactics and approaches that attempt to achieve
gaining the compliance of the subject.
D. Reasonable officer's perception/Reasonable officer's response (see
attached matrix)
VII. CIVILIAN OFFICERS (COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ANIMAL
CONTROL OFFICERS)
A. Community Service Officers assigned to the road and Animal Control Officers
shall carry chemical irritants (OC) under this policy for the sole purpose of
self-defense from persons or from animals.
B. When dealing with upset persons, civilian officers must first attempt to
deescalate the situation, if it is reasonable to do so, by backing away from the
situation to a place of safety (vehicle or other barrier) and calling for a sworn
officer to come to the scene. If after attempting to deescalate the situation, the
civilian officer reasonably believes that they are going to be assaulted, the
officer may deploy their chemical irritant in a manner consistent with training.
C. When dealing with aggressive animals, civilian officers should try backing
away from the situation to a place of safety (vehicle or other barrier) and call
for a sworn officer to come to the scene to assist. If the civilian officer is
unable to make it to a place of safety and they reasonably believe that they
may be attacked, the officer may deploy their chemical irritant at the animal in
a manner consistent with training.
D. Civilian officers that deploy chemical agents at a person are subject to all
reporting requirements set forth in this policy. Additionally, they are
responsible to immediately contact the on duty Watch supervisor as well as
summoning medical personnel to the scene for any injuries.
E. Civilian officers that deploy chemical agents at an animal shall notify their
supervisor to make them aware that a chemical agent was deployed as well
as the circumstances involved.
When dealing with persons, a civilian officer will be held to the "Reasonable
officer's perception/Reasonable officer's response" standard. (see level four
and five in the attached matrix)
VIII. PREREQUISITES TO CARRYING LETHAL / LESS LETHAL
WEAPONS
All personnel authorized to carry weapons intended for use of force
application must receive training on their use from the perspectives of
practical application and organizational policy. Instruction should include
confirmation of employee understanding of legal implications and
requirements, weapon specific operating and care procedures,
documentation and reporting procedures, and obligations following the
use of force.
IX. FBI NATIONAL USE of FORCE DATA COLLECTION
The Department voluntarily participates in the FBI National Use of Force Data
Collection. The sergeant of planning and research shall track the following use of
force incidents:
When a fatality to a person occurs connected to a use of force by an Iowa
City police officer.
When there is serious bodily injury to a person connected to a use of force
by an Iowa City police officer. For this section the definition of serious
bodily injury will be based, in part, upon Title 18, United States Code,
Section 2246 (4). The term "serious bodily injury" means "bodily injury that
involves a substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, protracted and
obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a
bodily member, organ, or mental faculty."
In the absence of either death or serious bodily injury, when a firearm is
discharged by an Iowa City police officer at or in the direction of a person.
When an incident meeting the above criteria is met the sergeant of planning and
research shall report the following information to the FBI:
Incident Information
Date and time of the incident
Total number of officers who applied actual force during the incident
Number of officers from the Iowa City Police Department who applied
actual force during the incident
Location of the incident (address or latitude/longitude)
OPS-03.15
Location type of the incident (street, business, residence, restaurant,
school, etc.)
Did the officer(s) approach the subject(s)?
Was it an ambush incident?
Was a supervisor or a senior officer acting in a supervisory capacity
present or consulted at any point during the incident?
What was the reason for initial contact between the subject and the officer
(response to unlawful or suspicious activity, routine patrol, traffic stop,
etc.)?
If the initial contact was due to "unlawful or criminal activity," what were
the most serious reported offenses committed by the subject prior to or at
the time of the incident?
If applicable, the National Incident -Based Reporting System or local
incident number of the report detailing criminal incident information on the
subject and/or assault or homicide of a law enforcement officer
If the incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies, the case
numbers for the local use -of -force reports at the other agencies
Subject Information
Age, sex, race, ethnicity, height, and weight
Injury/death of subject(s) (gunshot wound, apparent broken bones,
unconsciousness, etc.)
Type(s) of force used connected to serious bodily injury or death (firearm,
electronic control weapon, explosive device, blunt instrument, etc.)
- Did the subject(s) resist?
- Was the threat by the subject(s) directed to the officer or to another party?
- Type(s) of subject resistance/weapon involvement (threatened officer,
threatened others, threatened self, active aggression, firearm, attempt to
flee, etc.)
- Was there an apparent or known impairment in the physical condition of
subject? If yes, indicate which (mental health/alcoholldrugs/u n known)
- At any time during the incident, was the subject(s) armed or believed to be
armed with a weapon?
OPS-Q3.16
Officer Information
Age, sex, race, ethnicity, height, and weight
- Years of service as a law enforcement officer (total tenure, number of
years)
- At the time of the incident, was the officer a full-time employee?
- Was the officer readily identifiable?
- Was the officer on duty at the time of the incident?
- Did the officer discharge a firearm?
- Was the officer injured?
- What was the officer's injury type (gunshot wound, apparent broken
bones, severe laceration, unconsciousness, etc.)
Jody Matherly, Chief of Police
WARNING
This directive is for departmental use only and does not apply in any criminal or civil
proceeding. The department policy should not be construed as a creation of higher
legal standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense with respect to third -party
claims. Violations of this directive will only form the basis for departmental
administrative sanctions.
LEVEL ONE
Perception — Subject is compliant
OPS-03.17
Response — Cooperative controls (includes: mental preparation, spatial positioning,
communications skills, handcuffing positions and techniques, searching techniques,
arrest and transport controls)
COOPERATIVE
• •
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
COMPLIANT: LEVEL 1
COOPERATIVE CONTROLS
>
PERCEPTION SKILLS
MENTAL PREPARATION
>
RISK ASSESSMENT
>
SURVIVAL ORIENTATION
>
OFFICER STANCE
SPATIAL POSITIONING
>
BODY LANGUAGE
>
RELATIVE POSITIONING
VERBAL
>
VERBAL COMMANDS/DIRECTIVES
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- VERBAL DE-ESCALATION
TECHNIQUES
>
NON-VERBAL
>
WALL
HANDCUFFING POSITIONS
>
STANDING
>
PRONE
>
KNEELING
HANDCUFFING TECHNIQUE
>
CONTROLLED
>
WALL
SEARCHING TECHNIQUES
>
STANDING
>
PRONE
>
KNEELING
>
OPPOSITE SEX
SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES
>
FRISK
>
STRIP
ARREST TECHNIQUES
>
SINGLE OFFICER
>
MULTIPLE OFFICERS
ESCORT CONTROLS
>
SINGLE OFFICER
>
MULTIPLE OFFICERS
TRANSPORT CONTROLS
>
SINGLE OFFICER
>
MULTIPLE OFFICERS
LEVEL TWO
Perception — Subject is passively resistant
Response — Contact controls (includes: contact controls, conflict management
techniques, 0 mass formation arrest techniques — multiple officer lifts,
stretchers, wheelchairs etc.)
USE OF FORCE MODEL -FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
RESISTIVE (Passive): LEVEL 2 CONTACT CONTROLS
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options from lower Levels
> VERBAL
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - VERBAL DIRECTIVES
-VERBAL DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES
> NON-VERBAL
> ARM
CONTACT CONTROLS > WRIST
> HAND
> ESCORT TECHNIQUES
ARREST TECHNIQUES > TRANSPORT TECHNIQUES
> MASS FORMATION
OPS-03.19
LEVEL THREE
Perception — Subject is actively resistant
Response — Compliance techniques (includes: neuromuscular controls, joint
manipulation, nerve compression, chemical irritants, e.g. OC spray, controlled stopping
devices for fleeing vehicle incidents)
COMPLIANCE TECHNIQUES
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
RESISTANT (Active): LEVEL 3 COMPLIANCE TECHNIQUES
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options from lower Levels
> NERVE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES
COMPLIANCE CONTROLS > CHEMICAL IRRITANTS, CROWD CONTROL
CHEMICAL MUNITIONS
> CONTROL TACTICS
> HEAD
NERVE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES: > NECK
NEURO-MUSCULAR CONTROLS > ARM
> LEG
C> WRIST ROTATION
CONTROL TACTICS
> ELBOW LEVERAGE
BICYCLE > TAKE DOWN TECHNIQUES
VEHICLE PURSUIT TACTICS > COMMUNICATIONS/ASSESSMENT SKILLS
> PACING[TRAILING TECHNIQUES
OPS-03.20
LEVEL FOUR
Perception — Subject is physically assaultive and may cause bodily injury
Response — Defensive tactics (includes: personal weapon defense, e.g. hands, knees,
feet, active countermeasures, etc.; impact weapons, e.g. ASP, weapon retention
techniques, conducted energy devices)
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL PROFILE
ASSAULTIVE Potential Bodily Harm): LEVEL 4
DEFENSIVE TACTICS
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options
from lower Levels
>
HEAD
>
HANDS
PERSONAL WEAPON DEFENSES
>
ELBOWS
>
FEET
>
KNEES
IMPACT WEAPONS (ASP)
>
STRIKES
>
IMPACT PROJECTILES
>
CANINE OPERATIONS
LESS LETHAL WEAPONS
>
CONDUCTED ENERGY
DEVICES
>
OTHER OPTIONS
>
FRONT
WEAPON RETENTION TECHNIQUES (Less Lethal)
>
REAR
>
SIDE
OTHER WEAPONS
>
CONTROL/APPREHENSION
CANINE*
TECHNIQUES
*Deployment of canine for apprehension/protection shall be preceded by actions of
suspect which are consistent with Level 4 (Assaultive — Potential Bodily Harm) behavior.
The exception to this is the deployment of canine for building searches or related
circumstances, where the suspect actions are not known. In this circumstance
procedures spelled out in the "Canine Operations" General Order (99-04) shall be
followed.
OPS-03.21
LEVEL FIVE
Perception - Subject is assaultive and likely to cause SERIOUS bodily injury or death
Response- Deadly force (includes: weapon/weapons attack defense, lethal force
utilization with service/supplemental weapons, forcible stopping techniques for assault
with vehicle incidents)
USE OF FORCE MODEL - FUNCTIONAL
PROFILE
ASSAULTIVE (Serious Bodily Harm/Death):
LEVEL 5
DEADLY FORCE
FORCE OPTIONS also includes all options
from lower Levels
> WEAPON
ATTACK DEFENSE
> WEAPONLESS
> WEAPON RETENTION
TECHNIQUES
> SERVICE WEAPON
LETHAL FORCE UTILIZATION
> SUPPLEMENTAL WEAPON
> OTHER OPTIONS
OTHER OPTIONS:
> CONTACT
FORCIBLE STOPPING TECHNIQUES
> ROADBLOCK
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319) 356-5043
October 21, 2019
To: Police Chief Matherly
From: Community Police Review Board
Re: Suggested change ICPD General Orders 99-05 (Use of Force)
OPS-03.4, V. PROCEDURES, A. Deadly Force 2. Policy
Paragraph 2 (d):
No distinction shall be made relative to the age of the intended target.
Proposed revision to paragraph 2(d):
Provided the criteria for paragraph 2(a), 2(b) or 2(c) have been satisfied, no
distinction shall be made for the age of the intended target.
Prepared by CPRB Member David Selmer
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
OFFICE CONTACTS
October 2019
Date Description
None.
November 12, 2019 Mtg Packet
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
COMPLAINT DEADLINES
CPRB Complaint #19-02
Filed: 06/04/19
Chief's report due (90 days): 09/03/19
Chief's report filed: 07/02/19
CPRB
meeting
#1 (Review):
07/11/19
CPRB
meeting
#2 (Review):
08/13/19
CPRB
meeting
#3 (Review):
09/24/19
CPRB
meeting
#4 (Review):
10/08/19
CPRB
meeting
#5 (Review):
11/12/19
CPRB report due (90 days): 09/30/19
CPRB report due (60 extension): 11/27/19
CPRB Complaint #19-03
Filed: 08/07/19
Chief's report due (90 days): 11/05/19
Chief's report filed: 11/05/19
CPRB meeting #1 (Review): 11/12/19
CPRB meeting #2 (Review): ??/??/??
CPRB report due (90 days): 02/03/20
CPRB Complaint #19-04
Filed: 08/07/19
Chief's report due (90 days): 11/05/19
Chief's report filed: 10/31/19
CPRB meeting #1 (Review): 11/12/19
CPRB meeting #2 (Review): ??/??/??
CPRB report due (90 days): 01/29/20
CPRB Complaint #19-05
Filed: 09/03/19
Chiefs report due (90 days): 12/02/19
Chief's report filed: ??/??/??
CPRB meeting #1 (Review): ??/??/??
CPRB meeting #2 (Review): ??/??/??
CPRB report due (90 days): ??R?(??
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
December 10, 2019
January 14, 2020
February 11, 2020
March 10, 2020