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force permitted by law should promptly report these observations to a <br /> supervisor." <br /> The department has implemented scenario training which places officers in <br /> circumstances requiring them to actively intercede to prevent excessive uses of force. <br /> Following these scenarios, officers review the related policy and discuss options on how <br /> to verbally and physically intercede if excessive force by another officer is observed. <br /> Staff recommends amending the policy to state officers "shall" promptly report these <br /> observations to a supervisor. <br /> 8. Use of Force Continuum <br /> A use of force continuum is a training model with varying definitions. Years ago, a "force <br /> ladder" concept was taught which created a hierarchy of use of force options. At the <br /> bottom was "command presence" and verbal commands. In ascending order above that <br /> were control holds, pepper spray, Taser, baton, etc. Force options instructors <br /> nationwide moved away from this model of training because situations may require an <br /> officer escalate and de-escalate to different levels of force instantly. For example, if <br /> verbal commands are being attempted and the suspect pulls a firearm, an officer would <br /> not be expected to attempt to use a control hold and then pepper spray and then all of <br /> the other options before resorting to lethal force to defend his or her life within less than <br /> a second. <br /> Police training has shifted away from the "force ladder" and now teaches a "force wheel" <br /> model. The officer is at the center of this conceptual wheel and each force option is a <br /> spoke. The officer may be required to escalate force to a higher level and then de- <br /> escalate force to a lower level as a situation unfolds. Instead of subsequent "steps" in <br /> the ladder, it may be a rapid change in direction to a different spoke of the wheel. <br /> Although a "force wheel" and "force ladder" have been used as conceptual training <br /> models, a use of force continuum is a theoretical model that has proven impractical. <br /> Use of force decisions are made instantly based on facts and circumstances known to <br /> the officer at the time. It is dangerous to create a policy which requires a specific order <br /> of escalation of force because the possibility of situations in which decisions must be <br /> made is endless. <br /> The following chart summarizes existing policy and staffs recommendation for each of <br /> the eight use of force policy areas. <br /> Page 15 of 17 <br />