Use Of Force

Glossary Of Terms

The following definitions apply to the terms used in Index Code 401, "Use of Force":

Deadly Force: Any use of reasonable and necessary force which is intended to or likely to cause death or serious physical injury.

Lethal Weapon: A weapon whose law enforcement purpose is to cause death or life-threatening injury. The only lethal weapons authorized for use by agents of this bureau are firearms.

Non-Lethal Force: Any use of reasonable and necessary force (other than that which is considered deadly force) which is applied to effect an arrest or to protect the agent or others from personal attack, physical resistance, harm, or death.

Non-Lethal Weapon: Any device, (other than a firearm) authorized by the Bureau and used to apply force to another individual. Examples of non-lethal weapons are batons and chemical sprays.

Reasonable Belief: Belief based on facts or circumstances the agent knows, or should know, and sufficient to cause a reasonable and prudent person to act or think in a similar way under similar circumstances.

Serious Physical Injury: Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death; causes serious, permanent disfigurement; or results in long-term loss or impairment of the functioning of any bodily member or organ. Includes any injury caused by the discharge of a firearm.

Weapon of Opportunity: Any other object that an agent uses to apply force to another individual. Examples of weapons of opportunity are handcuffs and flashlights.