Provided 6-17-16
1516 RTKL 0181

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Office of School Safety
SUBJECT:
I.

Directive #4

USE OF BATON

POLICY
A.

The baton is to be used as a DEFENSIVE tool. As such, it may be needed
for blocking, parrying or counter striking techniques, for self-defense and to attain
control of an aggressively resisting subject.

B.

The baton may not be used to strike an individual with force intended to cause
serious bodily injury or death.

C.

D.

II.

E.

School Police Officers/Supervisors may not use any more force than is
necessary to overcome the resistance that is met. An officer/supervisor is
permitted to use only the amount of force, which is necessary to safely bring a
situation under control.

F.

Personnel will not unnecessarily or unreasonably endanger themselves and
others in applying these guidelines to actual situations.

G.

Prior to any employee being issued a baton that employee must receive
authorized School Police training regarding the use of that DEFENSIVE TOOL.

H.

Officers/Supervisors will make no modifications of, substitutions for, or additions
to the baton, which they are issued.

I.

Though many officers may be at the scene of an incident where force is being
used, some officers may not be directly involved in taking police action. As
officers, we have an obligation to protect the public and other officers. Therefore,
it shall be the duty of every officer present at any scene where force is being
applied to either stop or attempt to stop anyone who applies excessive force.
SPO’s actions will both protect the officer from civil or criminal liability and the
civilian from serious injury.

PROCEDURES
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 A.

III.

B.

Generally, an officer/supervisor may need to use the baton in the following
circumstances:
1.
To overcome resistance to an arrest.
2.
To protect the officer or other person(s) from bodily injury.
3.
To prevent a suicide or an individual from injuring himself.

C.

Injuries sustained by any person from the use of the baton dictates that the
individual be handled as a hospital case. If in a school, the school nurse may
render first aid.

D.

When resistance from a subject ceases, restraining tactics will be used and the use
of the baton will cease.

REPORTING
A.

The Officer’s/Supervisor’s immediate on-duty supervisor will be notified of any
use of the baton.

B.

Any use of the baton will be recorded on the SP-16 Report, an Incident Report,
and the Use of Force Form.

C.

When an injury resulting from the use of the baton occurs to a subject, a joint
investigation conducted by the officer’s supervisor and the Investigative Unit will
immediately commence. The regional supervisor will notify the pertinent
Commander.

D.

Prepare the “Use of Force Form.”
1. Complete all pertinent sections.
2. Sign and date.
3. Submit completed report to supervisor.
4. Supervisors will ensure that the original signed and approved copy of
the “Report” is sent to the Divisional Commander, and the Investigative
Supervisor by the end of the tour of duty.

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 IV.

VII.

SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES
A.

Officers will be inspected at daily roll call for compliance with the required issued
type baton.

B.

Ensure compliance with all the provisions as outlined in this procedure.

B.

The Administrative Lieutenant of School Safety, will be responsible for the
issuance and/or replacement of the baton.

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF BATON
A.

If the baton is lost or missing, it is the employees’ responsibility to replace it with
a like model.

2-23-04
Revised 11-16-10
June 2015

BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF SAFETY EXECUTIVE
OFFICE of SCHOOL SAFETY

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