'
• ..

.. SHERIFF

� Hams County Texas
Departrnettt Policy
SUBJECT:
USE OF FORCE
GALEA STANDARDS REFERENCE(s):

1.2.2, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.5, 1.3.6, 1.3.7, 1.3.8, 1.3.11, 1.3.12, 1.3.13

I.

POLICY#:

501
NO. OF PAGES:

21

Policy:
The Harris County Sheriffs Office is committed to protecting and
preserving life and property while serving all of the public interests
involved in our diverse community. Preserving the life, safety, property
and dignity of every individual in Harris County Texas is our goal. Even so,
there are times when our deputies are required to resort to the use of
force to enforce the law, protect the citizens we serve. and to protect
themselves. This policy should serve as a guide to all members of the
Harris County Sheriff's Office when circumstances reasonably dictate the
use of force. No policy can cover every specific scenario a deputy might
face; therefore this policy shall serve as a guide. Each and every situation
will be ultimately judged by the specific facts and circumstances of the
incident as viewed objectively and reasonably. In all situations the actions
of all employees of the Harris County Sheriffs Office shall fully comply
with all applicable state and federal constitutions and laws.
This policy is written in terms to apply to sworn Texas peace officers, but
the policy applies equally to all employees of the Harris County Sheriffs
Office.
In every situation the use of force will be avoided if reasonably possible. If
circumstances dictate it reasonable to wait for back up to arrive before the
deputy resorts to any escalation in force, the deputy should wait for back
up. It is always safer to approach a dangerous situation when two or more
deputies are present. Many situations will de-escalate when the offender
realizes that he/she is out manned
Realizing that there are times when a deputy/detention officer must make
split second decisions on escalating the use of force in response to an
offender's actions a deputy/detention officer should always escalate the
force employed to only that which is necessary to respond to the actions
of the offender. [CALEA Standard 1.3.1]
For planned tactical operations, such as the execution of a search warrant
or warrant's of arrest. Sheriffs Office personnel shall develop a tactical
plan predicated on preventing the use of force whenever possible.
Supervisors shall pre-approve all planned tactical operations.

BASLER 30