Other LanguagesAgency's use-of-force policy is consistent with the AGO model policy:
No
Why agency's use-of force policy departs from the AGO model policy:
The Bremerton Police Department’s Use of Force policy is generally consistent with the AG’s model policy. Minor departures were made to comply with the legislative mandate to use all de-escalation tactics that are available and appropriate under the circumstances before using physical force, and to use the least amount of force necessary to overcome resistance.
Specifically, the Department's PepperBall policy allows applications for area saturation/denial. When pepper projectiles are used in this manner, the subject is not targeted and multiple rounds make up a deployment. The model policy considers PepperBall strictly as a projectile impact weapon aimed at a specific person which requires an officer to "assess the effectiveness . . . after each shot."
The Department's expanded use of PepperBall for area saturation/denial is consistent with industry best practice, reduces the need for close-contact force and aligns with the de-escalation principles set forth in RCW 10.120.020.
Specifically, the Department's PepperBall policy allows applications for area saturation/denial. When pepper projectiles are used in this manner, the subject is not targeted and multiple rounds make up a deployment. The model policy considers PepperBall strictly as a projectile impact weapon aimed at a specific person which requires an officer to "assess the effectiveness . . . after each shot."
The Department's expanded use of PepperBall for area saturation/denial is consistent with industry best practice, reduces the need for close-contact force and aligns with the de-escalation principles set forth in RCW 10.120.020.
How agency's use-of-force policy is consistent with RCW 10.120.020:
The Bremerton Police Department's Use of Force policy is consistent with RCW 10.120.020 in all respects.
Date policy last updated: