Use of Force and Control Tactics

What does Section 25 of the CCC provide for the correctional officer?

Section 25 provides an officer with the authority to use as much force as necessary to stop the undesired behavior, if you have reasonable grounds to do so

What does Section 27 of the CCC provide for the correctional officer?

Section 27 is the authority to use force to prevent a specific type of offence from occurring

What does Section 26 of the CCC provide for the correctional officer?

Section 26 is what holds the officer criminally responsible for any excess thereof

What is the Objective Reasonable Test?

1. Was the officer lawfully placed?
2. Did the officer subjectively believe the amount of force used was reasonable?
3. Would a reasonable person believe the level of force used was reasonable?

What are the Use of Force Principles?

1. Public Safety
2. Officer Safety
3. Continuous Risk Assessment
4. Best Strategy to prevent injury, death, or damage to property

What is the intent of Lethal Force?

Never kill the subject, the intent is to gain control of the subject while stopping the undesired behavior

What are the three types of subjects an officer will encounter when applying handcuffs?

Totally cooperative
Potentially Uncooperative
Totally uncooperative

What are the three tactical considerations in handcuffing?

1. Approach to contact
2. Control upon first touch
3. Speed of application

What are the three general criteria to determine if an officer can legitimately handcuff a subject without the concern of civil repercussions?

1. When the subject has committed a crime?
2. When the subject is an escape risk
3. When the subject is a safety hazard

What are the three main considerations when choosing what handcuffs to use?

1. Match the training with the handcuff
2. Identify the officer's tactical environment
3. Subject compliance and cooperation

What are the seven tactical principles?

1. Winning Mentality
2. Cover and Concealment
3. Time: Distance Ratio
4. One plus one rule
5. Threat cues
6. De-escalation
7. Verbal Commands

What are some examples of Threat cues?

What was said
How was it said
Eye movements
Behaviors
Situational Awareness

What are the 5 areas of risk?

1. Hands
2. Weapons
3. Friends/Associates
4. Escape Route
5. Environment

What are common types of resistance?

Resistance during handcuffing
Passive Actions
Escort Position Resistance
Assaultive

What are the 3 basic rules with tactical positioning?

1. Avoid Inside Position whenever possible
2. The Field Interview Stance should be assumed from Relative Position 1
3. The Escort Position is assumed at Relative Position 2 1/2

What is your reactionary time within the reactionary gap under non-stressful situations?

Between 0.5 and 2 seconds

What are two available reactionary options?

Penetrate or Disengage

What are four situations that activate the sympathetic nervous system?

1. Objective threat perception - Close proximity, Minimal time, Confidence, New Experience
2. Objective fear perception - A subject's fears and anxieties
3. Physical Exhaustion - Caused by lack of nutrition or depletion of ATP
4. Startle Response - Spontaneous, Unexpected, Within Close Proximity

How can you manage and overcome SNS activation symptoms for better function during stressful situations?

Fitness, Diet, Belief System, Confidence Factor, Motor Skills Selection, Imagery Drills, Tactical Breathing

How can you manage PNS backlash symptoms?

Lying horizontally to equalize blood pressure and ingest carbohydrates as soon as possible

What are lethal target zones when using a baton, and when are the only justifications for using these target zones?

Head, Neck, Spine, Groin
Subject Behavior Category must be GBH/Death, as well as all three components of AIM concept must be met

What are the three key principles when using PSAs

Verbal direction
Pressure and counter pressure
Apply suddenly, reward compliance

Describe the Mandibular Angle Nerve Pressure Point?

Located at the base of the ear lobe between the mastoid and the mandible, and the method of application is touch pressure. The affected nerves are the hypoglossal, vagus, and the gloss pharyngeal

Describe the Hypoglossal Nerve Pressure Point?

Located approximately one inch forward of the 'R' angle of the mandible and one inch under the jaw, and the method of application is touch pressure. When applied correctly the subject will experience medium to high intensity pain, immediate submission and involuntary hyperextension of the arms (if applied through the inside position)

What are the three sections in the Criminal Code of Canada that are specific to an officer's legal authority to the use of force?

Section 25, 26 and 27 of the CCC

What are Impact Factors?

Subject - Age, Size, Gender, Training, Past History
Officer - Age, size, gender, training
Environment - Floor, light, confined space

What are subject behavior categories?

1. Cooperative
2. Passive Resistor
3. Active Resistor
4. Assaultive
5. G.B.H. or Death

What is the AIM model?

Ability - Does the subject have the physical ability to cause injury or death?
Intent - Do the subjects words and/or actions lead you to believe they had the intent to cause injury or death to you or others
Means - Does the subject have the means or mechanism creating the delivery system for the known or perceived threat?

What is the reactionary gap?

The reactionary gap is your 'safety zone' as an officer. The average distance is approximately 6 feet

Out of the three types of subjects an officer will encounter when applying handcuffs, who is the most dangerous?

Potentially Uncooperative

What are the two branches of the Automatic Nervous System?

1. Sympathetic Nervous System
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System

What is the Sympathetic Nervous System responsible for?

The Fight, Flight or Freeze Response

What physiological changes can you expect from the SNS activation?

Adrenal Activity, Vascular Activity, Perceptual Narrowing, Auditory Exclusion, Survival Reaction Time, Hypervigilance

What are symptoms of SNS activation?

Rapid Breathing, Cottonmouth, Muscle Tremors, Increased Heartrate, Sweaty Palms, Visual Difficulty, Loss of Concentration, Loss of bowel control

What is the average heartrate during optimal performance?

Heartrate will be approximately between 115-145 BPM

What is the average length of time an officer will have peak of performance?

10-15 seconds

What is the Approximate Impact to Performance and Duration of Struggle?

00-15 seconds - 100% peak performance - ATP/PC energy system
15-30 seconds - 55% of peak performance - lactic acid energy system
30-60 seconds - 35% of peak performance - aerobic energy system
60-90 seconds - 31% of peak performance - aerobic energy system

What are common PNS backlash triggers?

Perception that the threat has diminished
Perception that there has been an injury
Trauma to a vital system
Exhaustion

What are PNS backlash symptoms

Dizziness
Excessive Bleeding
Shock (Pale, Nauseous, Excessive Bleeding)
Exhaustion
Muscle Tremors

What are the basic steps to follow after a critical incident?

Call your significant other
Seek union representation
Seek legal counsel
Take time off
Return to work and provide statements as required
Watch for signs of PTSD

When experiencing PTSD, how could the traumatic event be re-experienced?

Recurrent and intrusive memories
Feeling as though the event is recurring through hallucinations and flashbacks (reliving)
Intense psychological distress when exposed to trigger cues resembling an aspect of the traumatic event
Psychological reaction when exposed to trigger cues resembling the traumatic event

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the collapsible baton?

Advantages - Psychological advantage, a visual and auditory cue and tactical cue
Disadvantages - Greater likelihood of injury

What angle should be used when delivering a strike to a target with a baton?

45 or 90 degree angle

What are the preferred target zones for using a baton?

Legs
Common Peroneal Nerve
Femoral Nerve
Tibial Nerve
Arms
Above and Below Elbow
Joint
Brachial Plexus Tie In

What are the secondary target zones for using a baton?

Areas that are not protected by muscle and will likely result in a higher level of injury such as:
Shoulder point, Collarbone, Chest, Elbow, Wrist, Hand, Knee, Foot, Shin

What are the two primary methods of baton retention?

1. Drawn Retention
2. Holstered Retention

What is OC Spray?

Oleoresin Capsicum spray otherwise known as pepper spray, is an inflammatory agent that can provide a tactical advantage over the subject(s) in a situation where is appropriate

What is the potency of OC spray?

500,000 to 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units

What is the make up of OC spray in the canister?

4o grams of product - 10% concentration of OC with 50% distilled water, 5% propylene glycol, and 35% denatured alcohol

The 40 gram canister of OC spray contains enough spray to maintain ______ bursts of ________ second sprays, or one continuous ______ second burst

10, 1, 10

Where do you focus your aim when using OC spray?

The eyes of the target

What is the minimum distance for deployment for OC spray?

3 feet, or 1 meter

What is the effective range of stream of OC spray?

3-15 feet, or 1-5 meters

What is the average shelf life of OC spray?

4 years

What are common side effects when exposed to OC spray?

Inflammation of mucous
Pronounced mucus secretion
Coughing/Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest
Inability for deep lung breaths

What occurs during positional asphyxia?

The position of the body contributes to the restriction of adequate air exchange - body position effects the subjects ability to breath

What are the side effects to the eyes and vision after being sprayed with OC spray?

Painful burning sensation of the eyes
Visual impairment (temporary)
Involuntary Eye Closure
Profound tearing
Inflammation of the eyelids
Protracted redness

What is the definition of ballistic needling?

When capsicum particles become embedded in the cornea or surrounding eye tissue, causing extreme irritation or burning

What are some inflammatory side effects of OC spray

Increased heat sensation
Redness of contaminated area
Increased pain and discomfort
Swelling of contaminated area
Swelling and tingling

What are psychological effects of OC spray

Inward focus on pain
Anxiety
Fear
Panic - possible panic attack
Anger
Sense of helplessness
Thought process interruption
Goal re-orientation

What are the advantages and disadvantages of OC spray

Advantages
Can engage the threat at a greater distance
Effects are temporary with little to no risk of permanent injury
OC is an easy to use tool
Using OC can possible prevent a physical confrontation
Using OC can potentially prevent the escalation

Disadvantages
Potential for cross examination
Effected by wind and rain
Threat may avoid the direct spray
Threat may have eye protection
Some subjects may respond adversely and become more aggressive

What are tactics of using OC spray

Shielding - Put something between you and the subject
Distance - Maintain distance as OC spray may take 5 seconds to take effect
Movement - "Get off the line"
Surprise - Deploy without verbal warning
Verbalization - Either before you deploy or immediately after

What are the five major control principles

1. Pain compliance
2. Stunning techniques
3. Distraction techniques
4. Balance displacement
5. Motor Dysfunction

What are the two categories of pressure points?

1. Nerve Pressure Point
2. Nerve Motor Point

What are the 5 steps to using touch pressure?

1. Stabilize the target
2. Apply pressure/counter pressure
3. Use the digital tip
4. Give loud, repetitive verbal commands
5. Alleviate the pressure with compliance

Describe the Infra-Orbital Nerve Pressure Point?

Located at the base of the nose, and the method of application is touch pressure. If applied correctly, the subject will experience medium to high intensity pain but it is ineffective if the subject has broken his nose or recently ingested cocaine

Describe the Brachial Plexus tie-in Nerve Pressure Point?

Located at the junction of the pectoralis major, the bicep, and the deltoid muscles, and the method of application is striking. The affected nerves are the radial and ulnar nerves, and is most effective if the subject's arm is at their side. When applied correctly, the subject should experience high intensity pain, possible numbing or tingling or the affected hand, and possible flexing of the hand.

Describe the Brachial Plexus Clavicle Notch Nerve Pressure Point?

Located directly behind the clavicle, approximately hallway between the sternum and the shoulder joint, and the method of application is touch pressure. The nerves that are affected are the median, radial and ulnar nerves.

Describe the Suprascapular Nerve Pressure Points

Located at the connection between the trapezius muscle and the side of the neck and the method of application is striking. It is important that you strike to whichever side of the body you are on and do not cross the spine. When applied correctly, you can expect the subject to experience high intensity pain, possible numbing or tingling in the affected hand/arm, and or possible flexing of the hand

Describe the Radial Nerve motor points

Located at the top of the forearm, approximately 2 inches below the elbow joint, and the method of application is striking. When applied correctly, the subject will experience medium to high intensity pain, as well as grip release

Describe the Median Nerve Motor Point

Located on the inside of the forearm (near the base of the wrist), above the heel of the hand, and the method of application is striking. When applied correctly, the subject will experience medium to high intensity pain and potential cramping of the forearm muscles.

Describe the femoral nerve motor point

Located on the middle of the inside of the thigh, halfway between the groin and the knee, and the method of application is striking. When applied correctly, the subject will experience high intensity pain, flex-reflex response of the affected leg, and the sympathetic reflex response of the unaffected leg

Describe the common peroneal nerve motor point

Located approximately six inches above the knee, the method of application is striking. When applied correctly, the subject will experience high intensity pain, flex-reflex response of the affected leg, and sympathetic reflex response of the unaffected leg

Describe the tibial nerve motor points

Located at the top of the calf muscle, just below the knee joint, and the method of application is striking. When applied correctly, the subject will experience high intensity pain, flex-reflex response of the affected leg, and sympathetic reflex response of the unaffected leg

Describe the superficial peroneal nerve motor point

Located at the base of the shin, just above the instep, and the method of application is striking. When applied correctly, the subject will experience motor dysfunction of the foot for anywhere between 30 seconds and several minutes

Why is the shoulder pin considered controversial?

To a bystander watching an officer apply a neck restraint to a subject, it looks as though the officer is 'choking' the subject. This is viewed as unacceptable and an inappropriate use of force

What are the two types of neck restraints?

Vascular and respiratory

What are the four physiological factors of the vascular restraint?

1. Venous Compression - Can lead to unconsciousness
2. Vagus Stimulation - Lowers heartrate
3. Carotid Compression -Interrupts the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain
4. Valsalva Maneuver - Reduces blood pressure and pulseIf

What is the level of control for a respiratory neck restraint?

Lethal Force

If a subject goes unconscious, what's the timeframe where the subject should regain consciousness?

5 to 30 seconds

Describe the three levels of compression when applying the shoulder pin neck restraint

Level One - Rear neck lock, no compression
Level Two - Mechanical Compression, conscious compliance
Level Three - Continued compression, subject rendered unconscious