Use of Force with Taser

  • Backup and Medical Personnel: Ensure the presence of appropriate backup and medical personnel prior to deployment.

  • Photographic Documentation:

    • Capture photographs of taser probes before and after removal.

    • Check if the barb is separated; if it is, the subject should be taken to the emergency room.

  • First Aid:

    • Apply antiseptic and bandage the affected area post-deployment.

  • Evidence Collection:

    • Collect the cartridge and probe.

    • Secure at least one Automated Firearm Identification Device (AFID) tag as evidence.

  • Negligent Discharge (ND) Protocol:

    • Assess if Internal Affairs Bureau (IB) needs notification; if no IB needed, conduct an Incident Documentation Compilation (IDC) to the chief.

    • If injury or death results from ND, call IB.

  • Documentation Requirements:

    • Any use of force must be documented in the Officer's Incident report (OI).

    • All use of restraints must be clearly articulated in the report.

    • First aid should be provided after any use of force incident.

    • The commander must forward reports to Standards within 5 days of completion.

  • Special Guidelines:

    • An IDC is required if an officer shoots an animal.

    • The officer must notify their supervisor if a taser is deployed or if there is a ND. In the case of a ND, the supervisor will determine the need for IB notification.

    • If IB is not needed, supervisor completes an IDC.

Domestic Violence Protocol

  • Telecommunications Information to Gather:

    • Location of the suspect.

    • Presence and/or involvement of weapons.

    • Presence and type of any injuries.

    • Suspect's possible influence of alcohol or drugs.

    • Presence of children.

    • Existence of a current Order of Protection for the victim.

    • History of domestic violence calls to the location.

  • Response Actions:

    • Separate all parties involved in the dispute.

    • Control any weapons involved or threatened to be used.

    • Assess and determine the need for medical assistance.

    • Conduct interviews of all parties and witnesses; document and collect all evidence.

    • Photograph any injuries or property damage.

    • Gather necessary information for report and criminal paperwork.

    • Establish probable cause for arrest and proceed accordingly.

  • Key Reminders:

    • If an arrest is made, articulate to both victim and offender that charges are initiated by the state, not the victim.

    • Ensure to stay at the scene as long as any individual is in danger.

    • Provide requested assistance to the victim following laws specified by 40-13-7 NMSA 1978, and document these actions.

    • Explore the necessity for an Emergency Order of Protection and assist if applicable.

    • An offense/incident report must be completed for all allegations of domestic violence.

    • If no arrest is made, the report must detail reasons for no action.

    • Obtaining follow-up photographs for injuries not visible initially is encouraged.

    • Note any suspect departures as per NMSA provision.

    • When victims are notified of a suspect's release, if dispatch cannot reach the officer, a supervisor will be mandated to inform the victim.

Stop Sticks and P.I.T (Pursuit Intervention Technique)

  • Stop Stick Deployment Procedures:

    • Officer must attempt to obtain supervisor approval; approval is not needed for deployment on stopped vehicles.

    • Stop oncoming traffic and use barriers for deployment, ensuring line of sight is established.

    • Coordinate transportation of the hollow spike belt and necessary resources with law enforcement agencies.

  • P.I.T. Guidelines:

    • Conduct P.I.T. only when vehicle speed exceeds 35 mph and use only when deadly force is authorized.

    • Officer must stop or redirect traffic if needed.

    • Ensure medical and fire services are staged and ready.

    • Document the area as a crime scene if P.I.T. is executed.

  • Reminders Post Deployment:

    • If stop sticks or P.I.T. procedures are conducted, document comprehensive use of force forms.

    • The primary officer must complete pursuit recaps post incidents.

    • If deadly force is used, contact the appropriate chain of command.

    • Conduct debriefings by the district commander or authorized personnel within three days of the incident.

Pursuit Policy

  • Initial Pursuit Protocol:

    • Notify air support and request assistance from other departments if necessary.

    • Communicate the nature of the violation being pursued.

    • Share the suspect vehicle's location, direction, and speed with fellow units.

    • Relay the number of occupants and perform a registration check.

  • Considerations During Pursuit:

    • Reflect on the effect of pedestrian traffic, road, and weather conditions, as well as familiarity with the area.

    • Assess patrol vehicle capability and familiarity with the suspect's identity, if known.

  • Documentation:

    • Pursuit packets must include police reports, audio/visual recordings, and supplemental reports.

    • Follow up with an IDC regarding the pursuit, due within three days.

    • Include use of force forms as applicable.

  • Post-Pursuit Reporting:

    • Complete OI for post-stop stick deployment.

    • Diagram the stop stick location and include all incident recordings in the documentation.

    • Ensure critiques are mandatory after pursuits leading to property damage or injuries.

Evidence/Property Handling

  • Secure Evidence Protocol:

    • If an officer can't secure evidence by end of shift, approval from a supervisor is necessary to store it in a secure location.

    • Evidence should be taken to the vault as soon as possible or arranged for secure delivery by a trusted officer.

    • Dispose of evidence timely, complying with six-month limits post-legal resolution.

  • Reporting Requirements:

    • Complete an Offense/Incident Report for any evidence or property seizure.

    • Maintain accurate inventoried lists for all evidence in vault and complete semi-annual inventories in January and July, including reporting forms.

  • Evidence Handling for Specific Instances:

    • Blood kits must be mailed in 36 hours; if unavailable, submit them as evidence.

    • Large quantities of narcotics require transfer to HQ within three days.

Policy on Foreign Nationals and Consular Notification

  • Detainment Protocol:

    • Officers are prohibited from stopping or detaining a person based solely on suspected immigration violations unless it pertains to criminal acts.

    • Inquiries regarding any individual's immigration status should only be made if in custody or suspect in criminal investigations.

    • Federal Immigration officials are to be notified only in human trafficking cases.

  • Consular Notification Triggers:

    • Arrests or detention of foreign nationals.

    • Serious injury or death of foreign nationals.

    • Traffic crashes involving foreign nationals that result in injuries.

  • Victim Notification:

    • When a foreign national victim is present, officers should offer to make consular notifications based on their wish.

    • Valid identification will be requested to ascertain their nationality. Non-documentation will be accepted at the individual's statement.

    • Ensure undocumented individuals receive consular notifications.'