HOOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
EFFECTIVE DATE:

03/01/2005

SECTION:

REVISION DATE:

SUBJECT: USE OF FORCE PROCEDURES Use of Deadly Force_________________

1900.04

APPROVED BY:

Nicholas C. Derzis, Chief of Police

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to describe in what circumstances deadly force may be used by a
police officer, to give the definition of a violent fleeing felon, and to provide guidelines for
reporting the use of deadly force.

A.

Deadly force may be used by an officer to stop an assault against the officer or other
innocent person when that assault is likely to result in death or serious physical injury.

B.

Deadly force may be used to stop a violent fleeing felon, under certain very limited
circumstances:
1. A violent felony is defined as the commission of or the attempted commission of:
a. Homicide;
b. Assault in the first or second degree;
c. Armed robbery;
d. Forcible rape;
e. Forcible sodomy;
f. Arson in the first or second degree.
2. Deadly force may be used to stop a violent fleeing suspect when the officer has
probable cause to believe a violent felony has been committed.
3. Deadly force may be used to stop a violent fleeing suspect when the officer has
probable cause to believe a violent felony has been committed and the officer or the
community will be placed in danger if the suspect is not apprehended immediately. (If
the fleeing suspect can be safely apprehended by a lesser degree of force, the lesser
degree should be used.)
4. The determination of whether a suspect has committed a violent crime should be based
upon the officer’s own senses. Taking someone’s word for what the suspect has done
increases the risk of misidentification of the suspect or the alleged crime.

C.

In the event an officer discharges a firearm, intentionally or accidentally, he/she shall
immediately make a verbal report of such discharge to his/her supervisor.

1900.04

 Within 24 hours of the occurrence, a full written report shall be made to the Chief of Police
using a narrative format. The report should include:
1. Who fired the weapon;
2. At whom or what the weapon was fired;
3. The weapon used;
4. Number of rounds fired;
5. When the firing occurred;
6. Where the firing occurred;
7. Why the firing occurred;
8. Information about the suspect;
9. Any extenuating circumstances involved or any additional information the officer
deems appropriate.

1900.04