WA - Use of Force Policy - Key Concepts

A set of practice flashcards covering the core concepts of Washington State’s use of force policy, de-escalation, and related legal standards as presented in the video notes.

What is the fundamental duty of law enforcement according to the policy?

Preserve and protect all human life; officers shall respect the dignity of all persons and exercise authority without bias.

What is police legitimacy?

The public’s trust that police will use their authority to enforce the law fairly and impartially.

What is the goal of de-escalation tactics?

To reduce or avoid the need for force by using time, distance, shielding, and other techniques to resolve incidents safely.

When should de-escalation tactics be used?

Whenever safe and feasible, and prior to using physical force.

What are the 3 key elements of de-escalation tactics?

Time, Distance, Shielding.

What does the CORE PRINCIPLE 'Duty to De-escalate' require of officers?

To use available de-escalation tactics and resources to resolve incidents without force when safe and feasible.

What does 'Reasonable Care' require when considering the use of force?

Consider the individual’s characteristics and conditions (e.g., pregnancy, being a minor, mental or physical impairments, language barriers) and use the least amount of force necessary to achieve a lawful objective.

What does 'Perform Community Caretaking Functions' mean in this policy?

Respond to community needs under the same standards for force; incidental touching is not considered physical force; nothing limits caring for health and safety.

What is the 'Objective Reasonableness' standard?

Assess use of force from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, not with hindsight.

What are the 'Graham factors' used to evaluate force?

Severity of the crime, immediacy of the threat, and whether the suspect is actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest.

When is deadly force authorized under RCW 10.120 and RCW 9A.16.040?

Only to protect against an immediate threat of serious physical injury or death to the officer or others, and only when necessary; not for non-immediate threats.

What is the 'Good Faith Standard' for deadly force?

An objective standard: the officer’s belief that deadly force was necessary based on the facts and circumstances at the time.

What are the three types of force defined by the policy?

Lower level physical force; Intermediate physical force; Deadly force.

What does 'Necessity' mean in the use-of-force definitions?

Under the totality of circumstances, a reasonably effective alternative does not exist and the force used is a reasonable and proportional response to achieve the lawful purpose.

What does 'Proportionality' mean in the use-of-force context?

The force used must be proportional to the immediacy and severity of the threat or resistance and to the law enforcement objective; may change as the situation evolves.

Are chokeholds or neck restraints allowed?

No. Chokeholds and neck restraints are prohibited.

What are some restrictions on OC spray (oleoresin capsicum)?

OC spray must be used in appropriate situations, not in enclosed spaces with non-involved persons when possible, and decontamination should follow; additional restrictions apply.

What are Projectile Impact Weapons (PIWs) and their guidelines?

PIWs fire less-lethal ammunition; targets should be buttocks, thighs, calves, or large muscle groups; use after training, warn before discharge, assess effectiveness after each shot.

What are Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs) standards?

ECWs may be used only by certified officers who are recertified annually; carry on the support side; perform a function check before shift; avoid simultaneous use with a firearm.

When may a spit guard be applied?

When lawfully restraining or attempting to restrain a person who is spitting or biting.

What are prohibited uses of spit guards?

Not on a bleeding or actively vomiting person, not on someone with a medical breathing condition, and remove immediately in a medical emergency or if distress is evident.

What are the Hobble Restraint rules?

Only agency-issued hobble restraints; monitor the restrained person’s health and safety; discontinue use when no longer necessary; do not place the person face down.

What is the 'Duty to Intervene' requirement?

Any identifiable on-duty officer who witnesses excessive force must intervene to stop it when in a position to do so and render aid as soon as safe.

What is the 'Duty to Report Wrongdoing' requirement?

Witnessing or reasonably believing another officer committed wrongdoing requires reporting to the supervisor; protections against retaliation are acknowledged.

What does the policy say about providing or facilitating first aid?

All personnel must provide or facilitate first aid at the earliest safe opportunity; monitor restrained or injured persons; take steps to reduce risks of positional or compression asphyxia.

Why is identification and warning important before force?

Officers should identify themselves, determine special needs, provide clear instructions, warn that force may be used, and give a reasonable opportunity to comply.