OP-39C, USE OF FORCE
ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY AND PROCEDURE

self-defense, the defense of others, or to counter
resistance by a subject.

01/27/03

Great Bodily Harm – Any action by a subject or a
member, likely to cause permanent disfigurement or
serious bodily injury.

RESCINDS:

OP-39B

DISTRIBUTION:

ALL EMPLOYEES

Imminent Danger – An employee’s perception that a
threat is pending, and/or a subject has the capability of
inflicting death or great bodily harm, or otherwise
incapacitating an employee, with or without a weapon
and is demonstrating an intention to do so.

EFFECTIVE:
REVIEWED:

REVIEW
RECRUITING AND TRAINING
RESPONSIBILITY: SECTION COMMANDER
ACCREDITATION 17.04, 29.07, 39.01,
STANDARDS:
CHAPTER 4
Michael J. McCoy
Chief of Police
CONTENTS:
1.
DEFINITIONS
2.
RESISTANCE AND RESPONSE CONTINUUM
3.
RESTRAINING TOOLS
4.
WEAPONS
5.
DEADLY FORCE
6.
MAINTAINING PROFICIENCY
7.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
POLICY: It is the policy of the Orlando Police
Department to ensure all employees utilizing any level
of force including deadly force do so within current
state law and only use the degree of force necessary to
effect lawful objectives. (4.01)
PROCEDURES:

1. DEFINITIONS
Approved Weapons and Equipment - Any Departmentissued weapons and equipment or personally-owned
weapons and equipment approved by the appropriate
departmental authority.
Deadly Force – Any action, by a subject or a member,
that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
Force – The tactics and/or techniques utilized by an
employee to control or regain control of a subject in

Infamous Crimes - Murder, armed robbery, armed
sexual battery, arson or use of explosive devices to a
structure occupied or presumed to be occupied,
kidnapping, burglary armed with a firearm, and any
felony that involves the threat of or the use of deadly
force against an individual.
Non-Deadly Force – Force that is neither likely to nor
intended to cause great bodily harm or death.
Physical Force - The employment of authorized
physical tactics and/or techniques or other responses
that do not utilize weapons.
Restraining Tools - Include Handcuffs, Flex cuffs, RippHobbles and four-point restraint.
Taser - A defensive weapon approved by the
Department that transmits electrical impulses to
override the central nervous system and control the
skeletal muscles.
The "Resistance and Response Continuum”
(Attachment A) - A graduated guideline that defines the
various levels of resistance and the authorized levels of
employee response and techniques. The level of force
utilized by an employee is based on the subject ’s level
of resistance.

2. RESISTANCE AND RESPONSE
CONTINUUM
The Resistance and Response Continuum (Attachment
A) provides guidelines for employees’ responses to
resistance from a subject. Each level outlines
appropriate responses ranging from employee
presence to the use of deadly force, each directly

OP-39C
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related to the level of resistance encountered. Please
refer to the continuum for additional information.

3. RESTRAINING TOOLS
Subjects shall be restrained in a manner so as not to
injure themselves or others.
Members should maintain physical control over the
handcuffed subject to ensure the safety of the subject
and other individuals, including the member. Noncompliance of a handcuffed subject shall be handled
within the guidelines established in the Resistance and
Response Continuum.
3.1 HANDCUFFS
Members responsible for the custody and safe
handling and transporting of subjects are strongly
urged to utilize their Department-issued handcuffs as a
primary restraining device. Subjects should be
handcuffed to ensure the security of and prevent injury
to the subject. The handcuffs should be double-locked,
behind the subjects back. Consideration may be given
to a subject’s age, physical condition or disability, and
mental capacity with regard to the decision to utilize
handcuffs. In the event the decision is made not to
handcuff a subject, another member should be
assigned to assist in transporting the subject to the final
destination. (29.07)
Subjects shall not be handcuffed to any part of any
object unless it is necessary to protect another from
great bodily harm or death. (39.01d)
3.2 FLEXCUFFS
Members may use flexcuffs in lieu of handcuffs when
appropriate. Subjects should be flexcuffed in such a
manner as to ensure the security of and prevent injury
to the subject. (29.07) Flexcuffs shall be removed using
flexcuff cutters, which are available in Supply, CID,
patrol cars, and the Patrol off–going squad room. In
cases of emergency only, flexcuffs may be removed
with other cutting instruments. (When using other
cutting instruments, extra care should be given to
removal of the flexcuffs to ensure injury does not
occur to the subject during the removal process.)
(39.01d)

3.3 RIPP-HOBBLE
Members may use a Ripp-Hobble as an additional
restraining tool. Most often the Ripp-Hobble will be
utilized in applying a four-point restraint. Subjects
should be Ripp-Hobbled in such a manner as to insure
security of and prevent injury to the subject. RippHobbles are available in patrol vehicles for member’s
use. (29.07)
3.4 FOUR-POINT RESTRAINT
When a subject resists with aggressive resistance
and this resistance creates an imminent danger to the
subject, member or others, or other restraining tools
have not been effective, members may utilize a fourpoint restraint. A four-point restraint is securing the
subject’s feet to his/her hands from the rear, using
handcuffs, flexcuff and/or a Ripp-Hobble.
When it is necessary to four-point restrain a subject,
members shall not “cinch” down the handcuffs,
flexcuffs, or hobble. The feet should not be brought
past a 90-degree angle to the body. This will provide
the safest method of utilizing this restraint technique.
Once the individual is controlled, members shall not
place the subject face down and will roll the subject
onto his/her side. This is to prevent Restraint
Positional Asphyxia. Members shall monitor any
subject in a four-point restraint at all times.
If an emergency exists, the member may transport a
four-point-restrained subject out of the immediate area.
Two members should transport a four-point-restrained
subject, when possible. The passenger member
should observe the subject, monitoring his/her color,
breathing, and level of consciousness. During hours of
darkness, an internal light source (e.g., flashlight or
dome light) should be used to provide a clear view of
the subject when natural light sources are not
sufficient.
The subject will be monitored and
repositioned as soon as it can be done safely.
If there is any doubt as to the subject’s condition,
members should immediately call paramedics to the
scene. Members shall continue to closely monitor and
assist the subject where possible until paramedics
arrive. The subject should be transported to the
hospital by ambulance when needed. Whenever a
four-point-restrained subject is transported by
ambulance, a member should ride in the ambulance.
(4.09, 29.07)

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4. WEAPONS
Only weapons and ammunition meeting agency
approval are to be used in the performance of an
employee’s duty. (4.06) Employees are restricted from
carrying any weapon (lethal and non-lethal) with which
they have not proven proficiency. (4.07) Furthermore,
Department members shall not carry any weapons
(lethal or non-lethal) that have not been authorized by
proper authority. A list of approved firearms may be
obtained from the Department range officer. A list of
approved non-lethal weapons may be obtained from
the Recruiting and Training Section Commander.
(4.06)
4.1 CHEMICAL AGENTS
Department-issued chemical agents may be used only
in accordance with the Department's “Resistance and
Response Continuum." The purpose of the chemical
agent is to minimize the potential threat of resistance
by the subject.
Chemical agents should only be used in those
situations in which an arrest is likely. If an arrest is not
made, the watch commander shall be notified as soon
as possible and an incident report shall be completed
concerning the incident.
All uniformed members, CSO’s, and CST’s will carry
the approved chemical agent while performing their
assigned duties. With the exception of administrative
and undercover personnel, members who wear civilian
clothes and members in limited duty status will carry
their approved chemical agent, concealed, while
performing their assigned duties. The approved
chemical agent will be carried in any off-duty work
assignment.
Members may carry their chemical agent in an off-duty
status. Civilian personnel shall not carry their chemical
agent in an off-duty status. (4.05)
4.2 TASER
No Taser may be carried by a Department member
unless it has first been reviewed, inspected, and
approved by the Department’s lead Taser instructor.
(4.06a) Officers shall complete a training course and
demonstrate proficiency prior to carrying the Taser.
(4.07) Civilian employees are not authorized to carry
Tasers. (4.05)

The Taser may be used at the “soft-control’ level. The
Taser is a less than lethal weapon and is not intended
to replace the firearm in deadly force situations. The
Taser may be used to control a dangerous or violent
suspect when the suspect, through words or actions,
communicates he/she is resisting, opposing, or
attempting to flee from an officer who is making a
lawful arrest or detention. It shall not be aimed at a
person’s head, neck or groin.
In cases where a subject is struck with a probe in the
face or groin area, OFD must respond to the scene to
treat the injury. (4.09) However, OFD will not be
responsible for removing probes. Only officers certified
to use Tasers are authorized to remove the probes.
Since the Taser probes are a biohazard, they must be
treated as such. Consequently, latex gloves must be
used when removing Taser probes. The probes must
be packaged as evidence in accordance with the most
recent version of OP-2, Bloodborne Pathogens and
Exposure Control Plan.
After being Tasered, subjects will be monitored by the
arresting officers for breathing irregularities.
Photographs will be taken of the location where the
Taser probes struck the body. Officers taking
photographs of subjects must do so out of public view if
the probes strike private areas of the subject’s body.
The cartridge number used will be entered on the
Defensive Tactics form and the spent cartridge will be
submitted into evidence. Managers approving
replacement cartridges must ensure that the
circumstances surrounding the discharging of a Taser
are properly documented.
No changes, alterations, modifications, or substitutions
shall be made to the Taser. An authorized vendor shall
make all repairs to the Taser. Any Tasers that are
unsafe or not functioning properly shall be given to the
Department’s lead Taser instructor, who will have it
repaired/replaced by an authorized vendor. (4.06b,c)
The In-Service Training Unit will be responsible for
tracking Taser data port information annually during
Block Training. In the event of a questionable
discharge, or one that leads to serious injury or death,
the Taser’s data port information will be downloaded as
soon as possible.

OP-39C
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4.3 BATON
The baton, the primary police impact weapon, should
be utilized by members to protect themselves or others
from potential or actual bodily harm in the course of
their assigned duties. The Department-approved baton
shall be carried by members on their person while in
uniform. Members may carry their batons concealed
when on-duty working in civilian clothes, working offduty in civilian clothes, and when off duty. (4.05)
The baton shall be used within the “Resistance and
Response Continuum.” The purpose of using the
baton is to stop active resistance. Using the baton to
target the spine, solar plexus, groin, kidneys, and/or
areas above the shoulders (Attachment B) should be in
response to deadly force resistance, only.
The flashlight is designed to be used as an illumination
device. Its use as a defensive impact instrument shall
be prohibited except in cases of aggressive resistance
when the baton is not practical. When the flashlight is
used as an impact instrument, within the guidelines of
this policy, the same techniques utilized with the baton
shall apply.
4.4 SAGE SL6
The SAGE SL6 is a secondary police impact
instrument and should be utilized by trained members
to protect themselves or others from potential or actual
bodily harm. The SAGE SL6 may also be used in
situations where the baton or other control techniques
are either impractical or unsafe.
When using the SAGE SL6, only areas designated in
Attachment B will be targeted. Members may strike
other areas in response to deadly force resistance.
When practical, every effort will be made by members
deploying the SAGE SL6 to inform other members prior
to its deployment.
The use of SAGE SL6 is authorized against animals
that pose a threat to public or member safety.
Only members who have completed the Departmentapproved Sage SL6 training class and demonstrated
proficiency may utilize this weapon. (4.07) Members
trained/certified to carry and deploy the SAGE SL6
shall inspect their designated weapon prior to each tour
of duty. SAGE SL6 shall not be used or carried in an
off-duty status. (4.05)

4.5 FIREARMS
Members of the Department may discharge an
approved firearm only under the following
circumstances:
a. When the subject poses an imminent danger
of death or great bodily harm to members or
others.
b. When the member has personal knowledge a
subject has committed an infamous crime and
the subject’s escape would pose an imminent
danger of death or great bodily harm to
members or others.
c.

For firearm practice at an approved gun
range.

d. For the purposes of test firing.
e. To give an alarm, or to call for assistance, for
an important purpose when no other means is
possible and the round may be fired into the
ground safely.
f.

To kill a dangerous animal, or one that
humane consideration requires release from
further suffering, when no other means of
disposition is available.

g. Weapons may be fired at the driver or other
occupant of a moving motor vehicle only
when the members have probable cause to
believe that the subject poses an imminent
danger of death or great bodily harm to the
members or other persons. The use of
deadly force in this case shall not create a
danger to the public that outweighs the likely
benefits of its use.
h. Members may not use deadly force to
apprehend escapees or other wanted
individuals based solely on the individual’s
original charges or convictions.
4.5.1 PROHIBITIONS
The following practices are strictly forbidden:
a. Firing into or over the heads of crowds.

OP-39C
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b. Firing warning shots. (4.04)
c.

Firing into buildings, enclosures or through
doors when a subject is not visible.

d. Firing at vehicles solely for the purpose of
disabling a moving vehicle.
e. Cocking the hammer of a weapon except to
improve aim immediately prior to firing.
4.5.2 HANDGUNS
The Department-approved handgun may be utilized
when a member perceives imminent danger.
When the handgun is outside the holster in a tactical
situation, the weapon shall be pointed down at a 45degree angle (ready gun position), trigger finger
outside the trigger guard, until there is a need to fire or
the member is at risk.
4.5.3 SHOULDER-FIRED WEAPONS (SHOTGUNS,
AR-15s, MP-5s and others)
Shoulder-fired weapons are to be considered
supplemental weapons and may be utilized in those
situations where the trained/certified members deem
such use necessary and prudent.
Some factors to be considered when deciding on the
use or deployment of shoulder-fired weapons are:
a. Whether deadly force is appropriate in the
situation.
b. Shoulder-fired weapons are by design, more
accurate than the handgun.
c.

Most shoulder-fired weapons have lights
mounted on them for use in low light areas

d. The probability of hitting an intended target is
much higher when using a shoulder-fired
weapon.
Some factors that might make carrying a shoulder-fired
weapon impractical are:
a. Foot pursuits.
b. Close quarters where maneuvering with the
weapon is a disadvantage.
c. Climbing over obstacles where controlling the
weapon may prove difficult.

Shotguns and AR-15 rifles shall not be placed in the
vehicle weapon rack with a round in the chamber.
Only members who have completed Departmentapproved shoulder-fired weapon training classes and
demonstrated proficiency may utilize these weapons.
(4.07) Members trained/certified to carry and deploy
the shoulder-fired weapons shall inspect their
designated weapons prior to each tour of duty.
Shoulder-fired weapons shall not be used or carried in
an off-duty status. (4.05)

5. DEADLY FORCE
An employee is justified in the use of deadly force only
if he or she reasonably believes that such force is
necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily
harm to the employee or another, has personal
knowledge that the subject is responsible for having
committed an infamous crime, or to prevent the
imminent commission of an infamous crime. The
application of deadly force is not limited to the use of a
firearm.
Any employee whose actions result in death or serious
bodily injury will be temporarily removed from the line
of duty until a preliminary administrative review is
conducted. Refer to the current issue of AD-28,
Discipline and the current issue of AD-49, Relief of
Duty, Alternative Duty, and Limited Duty for additional
information. (4.11)
Deadly force shall not be used when there is a
likelihood of serious injury being inflicted upon persons
other than the individual against whom the member is
authorized to use deadly force. The safeguarding of
other human lives shall outweigh all other
considerations.

6. MAINTAINING PROFICIENCY
Members shall maintain and demonstrate proficiency
with Department-authorized techniques, restraining
tools, and weapons on an annual basis. The Training
Unit shall be responsible for establishing standards of
proficiency, insuring compliance by all members and
maintaining proficiency records.

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Failure of a member to demonstrate and maintain
acceptable standards of proficiency shall be cause for
remedial training.
Remedial training shall be
coordinated with the Training Unit and shall be
completed immediately or as soon as practical. A
member’s continued inability to maintain proficiency
standards shall cause the member to be placed on an
alternative assignment pending a final determination as
to their job fitness, in accordance with the current issue
of AD-49, Relief of Duty, Alternative Duty, and Limited
Duty.
Members who are unable to participate in those
training and/or evaluation sessions which qualify them
to carry weapons and employ force (e.g., during an
extended leave of absence, physical disability, etc.)
shall be restricted as to their use of police authority in
accordance with the current issue of AD-4, Restricted
Duty Assignments or the current issue of AD-49, Relief
of Duty, Alternative Duty, and Limited Duty. Prior to
resuming full duty status, members must demonstrate
proficiency in all areas, to the satisfaction of the training
unit. (4.07)

7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
In most situations, members responding to resistance
with physical force or weapons will be required to
complete an incident report (in misdemeanor cases,
the affidavit will act in lieu of an incident report).
Sergeants and supervisors shall insure these reports
are completed by the end of their tour of duty. A
sergeant shall respond to the scene to interview all
involved employees, witnesses, and subjects. (17.04)
The sergeant shall be responsible for obtaining copies
of the reports, affidavits, and/or statements. Sergeants
shall be responsible for completing a Defensive Tactics
Form (Attachment C) and possibly an Initial Notice of
Inquiry.
7.1
DEFENSIVE TACTICS FORMS
Sergeants shall complete a Defensive Tactics Form
under the following circumstances: (4.08 b,c,d)
(NOTE: Sergeants shall complete Defensive
Tactics Forms for CSO’s and CST’s.)
a. Use of chemical agent.
b. Use of baton or the flashlight as an impact
weapon.

c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Use of stop sticks.
Use of SAGE SL6.
K-9 dog bites, other than accidental.
Use of Tasers
Use of any technique or the application of any
weapon that results in actual or claimed
(evident or non-evident) injury.

(NOTE: When a firearm is discharged, or a member
applies any technique or weapon that results in
death, an Initial Notice of Inquiry shall be generated
in lieu of the Defensive Tactics Form. The only
exception is when a member utilized deadly force
in the killing of an animal for humane reasons. In
this case the member shall complete an incident
report in lieu of a Defensive Tactics Form.)
The assigned supervisor shall ensure that photographs
are taken of any injury, actual or claimed, by either the
subject or the employee which result from an
application of force by the employee in response to a
subject’s resistance. Digital or Polaroid photographs
will be sufficient in most cases. The photographs shall
be forwarded with the Defensive Tactics Form to the
In-Service Training Unit Supervisor. When 35 mm film
is used and photos are not available immediately, the
photographs should be forwarded to Internal Affairs by
the Crime Scene Unit as soon as possible. Defensive
Tactics Forms are maintained in Internal Affairs.
A Defensive Tactics Form shall not be required when
there is no claimed or evident injury and either of the
following conditions exist:
a. The sole method of active resistance is taking
flight, and the sole technique used to stop the
subject is a tackle or takedown; or,
b. Pressure points were utilized to open a
subject’s mouth to retrieve drug evidence
The Defensive Tactics Form is structured except for
the supervisor's narrative. Supervisors shall separate
the employees involved into two categories: Principal
employees and assisting employees.
A principal employee is any employee who encounters
physical resistance from a subject and must use force
to overcome it.

OP-39C
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Assisting employees shall be listed and are defined as
those using controlling techniques or restraint holds
while assisting the principal employee.
The narrative portion is to be completed by the
supervisor and should include:
a. The specific resistance the employee
encountered and the specific response of the
member.
b. How the injuries were incurred and a
description of the extent of the injuries. This
includes both employees and subjects.
Additionally indicate whether the injuries were
treated and by whom.
c.

Synopsis of employees who were witnesses,
any independent witnesses, and subject
statements, if any.

d. A statement by the supervisor indicating
whether the employee’s response was in
keeping with Department policy.
(NOTE: The Defensive Tactics Form is not a
substitute for an internal investigation. If the
supervisor determines that an inquiry is necessary,
it is his/her responsibility to initiate the INOI.)
The supervisor shall forward the Defensive Tactics
Form, copies of the offense report and/or the arrest
affidavit, statements, and photographs to the In-Service
Training Unit Supervisor. The In-Service Training Unit
Supervisor shall evaluate the appropriateness of the
techniques and tactics used. Upon review by the InService Training Unit Supervisor, the package will be
forwarded through the member’s chain of command for
review. Upon final review by the Bureau Commander,
the Defensive Tactics Form shall be forwarded to the
Internal Affairs Section for review and filing. Any
recommendations by the Training Unit shall be
forwarded to the affected section commander. (4.10)
Supervisors shall review Defensive Tactics files of their
assigned members as directed by Internal Affairs.
Reviews will only be conducted of principal members.
Purging of these files is handled by Internal Affairs in
accordance with current records retention laws. The
Defensive Tactics Form shall be filed in the Internal
Affairs Section.

7.2 TASERS
After discharging a Taser and securing the subject,
officers shall contact their supervisors.
The
supervisor will respond and initiate a Defensive
Tactics Form. In the event of an accidental discharge
where there are no reported injuries, a Defensive
Tactics Form will not be needed. However, a
Sergeant must respond to the scene of an accidental
discharge and ensure that the incident report is
completed. The supervisor will forward a copy of the
incident report to the Internal Affairs Unit where it will
be retained on file.
OP-39C.P&P
accred.stds.ver.3.0

OP-39C
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ATTACHMENT “A”

RESISTANCE AND RESPONSE CONTINUUM
SUSPECT’S RESISTANCE

EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSE

LEVEL I – INDICATORS OF RESISTANCE
Non-verbal cues indicating subject’s
demeanor and attitude coupled with an
apparent readiness to resist.

EMPLOYEE’S PRESENCE
The employee’s attitude and demeanor and
their lawful right to be where they are.

LEVEL II – VERBAL RESISTANCE
The subject’s verbal responses indicating
non-compliance and unwillingness to
cooperate

VERBAL DIRECTIONS
The employee’s verbal communications that
specifically direct the actions of the subject
and offer the opportunity for compliance.

LEVEL III – PASSIVE RESISTANCE
The subject fails to obey verbal direction
preventing the member from taking lawful
action.

SOFT CONTROL
The employee applies techniques that have
a minimal potential for injury to the subject, if
the subject resists the technique.

LEVEL IV – ACTIVE RESISTANCE
The subject’s actions are intended to
facilitate an escape or prevent an arrest.
The actions are not likely to injure the
member.

HARD CONTROL
The member applies techniques that could
result in greater injury to the subject, if the
subject resists their application by the
member.

LEVEL V – AGGRESSIVE RESISTANCE
The arrestee has battered, or is about to
batter a person/member and the arrestee’s
action is likely to cause serious injury to a
person/member.

INTENSIFIED TECHNIQUES
Those techniques necessary to overcome
the actions of the subject, short of deadly
force. If the subject resists or continues to
resist these techniques there is a strong
probability of injury being incurred by the
subject.

LEVEL VI – DEADLY FORCE RESISTANCE
The subject’s actions are likely to cause
death or great bodily harm to the member or
another person

DEADLY FORCE
Member’s actions may result in death or
great bodily harm to the subject.

OP-39C
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ATTACHMENT “A” (Continued)
RESISTANCE AND RESPONSE CONTINUUM (TECHNIQUE GUIDELINES)

EMPLOYEE’S
PRESENCE

♦ Lawful presence
♦ Attitude and demeanor
♦ Identification of authority

♦ Commands to direct subject action
♦ Notification of arrest
♦ Opportunity to comply
♦ Techniques having minimal potential of injury if resisted by a
SOFT CONTROL
subject
TECHNIQUES
o Pressure points
o Wrist locks
o Arm bars
o Compression techniques
o Chemical agents
o Tasers
♦ Techniques having a greater potential of injury if resisted by a
subject
HARD
o Forearm/knee/open hand strikes
CONTROL
o Strikes with the baton
TECHNIQUES
o Kicks
o Takedowns
o Head locks
o SAGE SL6
*Hard control techniques shall not target shaded areas indicated in
Attachment B.
♦ Techniques necessary to overcome actions of a subject short of
deadly force.
INTENSIFIED
o Closed hand strikes
TECHNIQUES
*Intensified techniques may target shaded areas indicated in
Attachment B
♦ Techniques that may result in death or great bodily harm to the
subject
DEADLY FORCE
♦ The application of deadly force is not limited to the use of a
firearm, and may include application of other techniques and/or
weapons.
EMPLOYEE/SUBJECT FACTORS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
VERBAL
DIRECTIONS

EMPLOYEE/SUBJECT FACTORS
TO BE CONSIDERED:

OP-39C.P&P 1/27/03

•
•
•
•
•

Age
Sex
Size
Skill level
Multiple subjects or
employees

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
• Mental incapacity
• Close proximity to firearm
• Special knowledge
• Injury or exhaustion (member/suspect)
• Disability
• Imminent danger
• Availability of weapons
• Arrestee’s level of agitation
• Alcohol/drug influence
• Arrestee handcuffed

OP-39C
Page 10
ATTACHMENT B
ANATOMICAL ILLUSTRATION

(FOR USE OF HARD CONTROL TECHNIQUES, INTENSIFIED TECHNIQUES, AND
DEADLY FORCE)

L.-_ _ HEAD

,....-_NECK

CHEST
_+-SOLAR PLEXUS!
UPPER ABDOMEN
ELBOWS

-,--++_GROIN

KNEES

Avoid indicated shaded areas unless intensified techniques or deadly force is warranted.
Hard control techniques shall not be targeted above the shoulders, to the spine, or the solar
plexus.
Targeting the head or neck with the baton or SAGE SL6 projectiles is acceptable in deadly force
situations only.

OP-39C
Page 11
ATTACHMENT B (continued)

ANATOMICAL ILLUSTRATION
(FOR USE OF HARD CONTROL TECHNIQUES, INTENSIFIED TECHNIQUES, AND
DEADLY FORCE)

HEAD

NECK
SPINE

ELBOWS

ANALCLEFf

,......._ KNEES

Avoid indicated shaded areas unless intensified techniques or deadly force is warranted.
Hard control techniques shall not be targeted above the shoulders, to the spine, or the solar
plexus.
Targeting the head or neck with the baton or SAGE SL6 projectiles is acceptable in deadly force
situations only.
OP-39C.P&P.01/27/03

Attachment C

OP-39C
Page 12

ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT

DEFENSIVE TACTICS FORM

NOTE: FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY – UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THIS FORM BE FILED IN CENTRAL
RECORDS.
TO:

CHIEF OF POLICE
ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Complaint #
Sector:
District #:
Grid #:

FROM:
Name

Employee #

INVOLVED EMPLOYEE’S SECTION MANAGER:
1.

Incident Location:

Date:

2.

Time Supervisor Notified:

On Scene:

Time:
Other:

Type Incident:
3.

Offense Charged:
A.
B.
C.

Offender’s Name:
Race:
Address:
City:
Physical condition prior to incident (i.e., intoxication, prior injuries):

D.
E.

Subsequent apparent injuries:
Photographs of injuries: Polaroids attached (
None taken ( )
Why?
Medical treatment of offender:
Yes
If Yes, where?
Date:

F.

4.

Employees involved:

)

# Battered:

35 mm (

Sex:

DOB:
State:

) Digital Image (

No

)

Refused
By whom?
Time:
# Injured:

List principal employees in order of their degree of physical involvement:
Note: For the purposes of this policy and procedure, a principal employee is: “Any employee who
encounters physical resistance from a subject and must use greater force than controlling techniques
or restraint holds to overcome it.”

Name

R/S

DOH

Age

Employee #

A.
B.
C.
D.

Check here ______if CHEMICAL SPRAY ONLY was used.
Supervisor approves __________________________________________________________________
Signature

Print Name/Employee #

Attach copy of Charging Affidavit and/or Incident Report
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OP-39C
Page 13
DEFENSIVE TACTICS FORM (continued)
5.

Implements used by employees:
Baton

Chemical
Spray

K-9

SAGE
SL6

Taser

Explain Employee’s Involvement

A.
B.
C.
D.
6.

Physical technique used by employees:
Hands

Carotid
Restraint

Other

Explain Employee’s Involvement

A.
B.
C.
D.
7.

List assisting employees and their physical involvement:
Name

8.

Employee #

Involvement

Address

Phone #

Witnesses
Name

A.
B.
C.
D.
SUPERVISOR’S NARRATIVE (Include [1] general circumstances; [2] specific resistance encountered; [3]
physical techniques utilized; [4] extent of injuries incurred; [5] who incurred and inflicted the injuries; [6]
statement of witnesses; [7] when applicable, appropriate manager was notified [8] supervisor’s endorsement;
and, [9] a statement whether the force used was in keeping with policy.)

Approve

Disapprove
(Attach Dissent)

Technique/Tactic Used
Employee’s Supervisor
_______________________
OPD Training Supervisor
_______________________
Section Commander

Date

Division Commander

Date

Bureau Commander

Date

Date
Date

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OP-39C
Page 14
DEFENSIVE TACTICS FORM (continued)
NARRATIVE CONTINUATION

Complaint # ___________________

___________________________________
Supervisor
OP-39C.P&P 01/27/03

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