OAR 291-022-0130
General Provisions — Use of Force


(1)

Physical force may be employed when it is reasonable given the situation and the facts known to the officer at the time. The degree and type of force used shall be objectively reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances and the facts known to the officer at the time the force is delivered. Force shall be de-escalated or terminated as soon as practical after the threat is mitigated and it is safe to do so.

(2)

A verbal warning, lawful order, or a verbal transfer of the use of force decision to the threat should be made prior to delivering physical force against a threat, if time and circumstances safely permit the officer to do so.

(3)

Immediate use of physical force is authorized in circumstances in which warnings and other non-force alternatives are not reasonable or available to the employee.

(4)

The goal of any use of force in a given situation must be to attain a legitimate objective. There are only two purposes an officer can have in using force. All justifiable uses of force will fall into one, or both, of these categories:

(a)

Defense, and/or

(b)

Control.

(5)

Provoking a person to justify the use of physical force, or using physical force as punishment or discipline, is prohibited.

(6)

First aid and/or medical assistance shall be provided to an injured person as soon as safely possible following any use of force. This action shall be documented in the Use of Force Report.

(7)

Photographs shall be taken of the individuals injuries as soon as practical and retained as part of the documentation of the incident.

Source: Rule 291-022-0130 — General Provisions — Use of Force, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=291-022-0130.

Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 291-022-0130’s source at or​.us