http://www.dca.state.ga.us/planning/law/Chap11-1.html

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

ISSUED___________ EFFECTIVE___________

S.O.P. 11-1 USE OF NON-DEADLY FORCE / INTERNAL PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION

This procedure is intended to apply to the reporting requirements dealing with the use of force to overcoming resistance to arrest or defense against physical assault. This procedure shall supplement procedures for use of deadly force. (See S.O.P. 16-9 Use of Chemical Weapons, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC Spray).

NOTE: Use of deadly force in which no injury occurs and/or no property damage occurs will still be investigated as in this section.

Reporting Requirements

1. Notification of Supervisor

   The shift supervisor, or available supervisor in his/her absence, shall be immediately informed of each incident involving the use of force by officers of the Agency.

2. Restraining Force

   Determining the charge against a suspect and preparing the necessary reports will be the responsibility of the arresting officer and his/her supervisor.

3. Physical-Defensive Force

   Each case involving the use of physical or defensive force shall be reported on the Agency's ______________ report form.

   1. The _______ Report shall be completed and delivered to a supervisor as soon as possible after the incident.
      
      
   2. Each officer present or assisting in an arrest or incident requiring force shall submit a supplemental report describing the incident.
      
      
4. Supervisors' Responsibilities
   
   
   1. Restraining Force

      Upon notification of the use of restraining force by subordinate personnel, a supervisor shall investigate the incident. When use of restraining force has been made necessary by resistance without violence, and when no injuries are claimed, reports of the use of restraining force shall not be required. The arrest incident and resisting arrest charges shall be left to the discretion of the arresting officer and supervisor.

   2. Physical-Defensive Force

      Upon notification of the use of physical or defensive force by subordinate personnel, a supervisor shall initiate an investigation into the incident:

      1. The supervisor shall review the _____ report describing the use of force;
         
         
      2. The supervisor shall address a memorandum to the Chief Executive Officer notifying CEO of any facts not covered in the official report; and
         
         
      3. In the absence of any discrepancies or additional facts, the supervisor's memo shall notify that a supervisory investigation has been conducted and that facts are as reported in the official ______ report.
         
         
   3. The supervisory memo and a copy of the ______ report shall be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer through the chain of command without delay.
      
      
   4. When the supervisory memo and report cannot be routed through the chain of command immediately, the supervisory memo and report will be routed directly to the Division Commander (or Acting Division Commander). At the first opportunity the incident shall be reported verbally through the chain of command.
      
      
   5. The supervisory memo shall be titled with the type of force used (e.g. restraining, physical, defensive, or deadly), followed by the case number.
      
      
5. Property Damage

   Upon notification of property damage resulting from a use of force incident, a supervisor shall investigate the incident fully. A detailed accounting to include the property owner and the extent of damage will be prepared and handled as in section B above.