There is a use of force guideline and that supervising officer just told them to go from step A to Step E without justification.
Officers are permitted to use whatever force(PDF) is masonable and necessary to
protect others or themselves, but no more. The purpose of this policy is not
to restrict officers from using sufficient force to protect themselv& or others,
but to provide general guidelines under which force may be used. If
exceptional circumstances occur which axe not contemplated by this order,
officers should use any force reasonably necessary to protect themselves or
others; ,however, they must be able to artidate the reasons for employing
such force.
D. CATEGORIES OF FORCE TO EMPLOY (IN ASCENDING ORDER OF
GRAVITY)
L When the use of force is necessary and appropriate, officers shall, to the
extent possible, utilize an escalating scale of options and not employ more
foxeful measures unless it is determined that a lower lwel of force would
not be adequate, or such a level of force is attempted and actually found to
be inadequate. The scale of options, in order of increasing severity, is set
forth below:
a. Verbal Persuasion
b Physical Control kg., passive =be, bent wrist control, excluding the
carotid re!staint)
c. Liquid Chemical Agent (MacelOleoresin Capsicum)
d. Carotid Restraint
e . Department-issued Baton
f. Firearm