Demonstration Speech – Police Use of Force Options - Outline

Introduction: Oscar Grant, an African American male, was shot in the back with a firearm on New Year's Day of 2009 by a BART PD rookie officer. Before, he fatally shot Oscar, the officer shouted "I'm going to tase him." The incident was captured on a video by one of the bystanders and later found out Oscar was unarmed. What went wrong here? Purpose: After I am done with this demonstration speech, all of you will have a better understanding in the use of force options used by the law enforcement communities. Central Idea: It is important for citizens to have a strong understanding in the law enforcement's use of force options. Without understanding the their use of force policy, it is difficult to assess whether it was violated or not. Body:

I. Concept of Use of Force:

A. The first step in use of force options is to understand the basic concept.

It is important to note that in order to effect an arrest, only objectively reasonable amount of force is authorized to use. And the arrestee is required by law to submit to the arrest attempt by law enforcement agents. The question of any possible violations of civil rights should come later and comply with the law enforcement agents' commands The escalation of use of force does not mean it will exhaust each steps before going to the last step II. The common Use of Force policy: A. Command Presence
1. Standing around in uniform, shield/star badges, guns alone will solve or prevent many potential problems

B. Verbal commands
1. Telling people to move or do not cross etc. The commands have to be firm and clear. C. Hands-on restraint
1. Placing hands on a person, guide to certain direction. Without applying too much pressure. D. OC spray This should only be used in defense and not to be used as offensive. UC Davis police department came under fire for using it on a group of peaceful demonstrators. E. Pain-compliance holds These involve manipulation of joints and locks The pros of this method is it could effectively control without permanent damage The cons of this method is it sacrafices the safe distance with the threat F. Impact weapons Deploy collapsible baton or batons to strike Striking heads are not allowed (lethal force) G. Less-lethal munitions or Taser Commonly used to under the influence or insane subjects H. Carotid restraints Human bodies have jugular veins and carotid arteries going through one's neck. The purpose of arteries is to carry oxygenated blood and carotid arteries carry oxygen to brain. The proper carotid restraint will make a person unconscious for 20 seconds or so.

I. Use of deadly force 1. The most controversial use of force options 2. Only times it could be used is when there is imminent danger of one and others and fleeing felon's delay in its apprehension will jeopardize the public safety.

Conclusion: Again, the common use of force options are command presence, verbal commands, hands-on restraints, OC spray, pain-compliance holds, impact weapon, less-lethal munitions, carotid restraints, and use of deadly force. It is again important to remember that law enforcement agents have authority to use force options and citizens are required by law to comply. And the use of force has to be within the objectively reasonable amount of force.