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GENERAL
GREENVILLE COUNTY
SHERIFF'S OFFICE

PURPOSE:

RESPONSE
MODEL:

ORDERS

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RESPQNSETO
RESISTANCE I AGGRESSION

Response to 'active resistance/aggression is restricted to areas and
levels authorized by statutory law, case law, and policy. A response
to active resistance/aggression must be appropriate to the situation,
using only the minimum control required to accomplish an
enforcement duty. An unauthorized response to active
resistance/aggression is the terminology applied whenever there exist
an inappropriate or excessive response to active resistance/aggression.
An unauthorized response is a violation of public trust, creates civil
and criminal liability, damages professional image (collectively and
individually), and may indicate unfitness to serve as a deputy sheriff.
The Response Model demonstrates escalating levels of control used to
compel compliance. A deputy's control responses are to be based
on:

1. The subject's actions.
2. The deputy's perception oftbreat.
3. The deputy's knowledge ofhislher own abilities.
LEVELS OF RESISTANCE - There are six (6) levels of resistance:
1. Psychological Intimidation - Non-verbal cues indicating
subject's attitude, appearance, and physical readiness.
2. Verbal Non-compliance - Verbal responses indicating
unwillingness or threats.
3. Passive Resistance - Physical actions that do not prevent an
attempt to control, but make movement difficult.
4. Defensive Resistance - Physical actions that attempt to
prevent a deputy's control, such as running away, but never
attempts to harm the deputy.
5. Active Aggression - Physical actions of assault.
6. Aggravated Active Aggression - A deadly force encounter.
LEVELS OF CONTROL - There are five levels of control:
1. Deputy PresenceNerbal Direction - Verbal commands are
the minimwn means of halting an offense. Announcing your
presence and intentions may result in the peaceful resolution
of the situation. Any and all verbal commands should clearly
relay exactly what, when, and how you want the individual to
react. Keep all commands simple and short. This would be

ISSUED 120877

REVISION 100108

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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE I AGGRESSION

appropriate if no resistance is encountered and there are no life
threatening circumstances. If a verbal command/challenge
alone does not stop the offense, combine the commands with
one of the appropriate steps below.
2. Soft-Empty Hand Control- Soft-empty hand techniques,
such as holding your hand up in front of the assailant, placing
your hands on the assailant to physically restrain and/or
control the individual or to lead the individual toward a
desired location, using minimal force. It can be using joint
locks and pressure point pain compliance techniques. Softempty hand control is appropriate When the individual is
passively resisting and stronger control is not justified.
3. Hard-Empty Hand Control- Hard-empty hand techniques
may be appropriate in situations where use of the ASP baton
or other approved weapons would be inappropriate or
impractical. In these incidents, the empty-hand striking of an
individual who is resisting arrest, or attempting escape from
lawful arrest, would be appropriate. The use of chemical
agents, such as Oleoresin Capsicum, or electronic stun
devices, would be appropriate to control a suspect and attempt
to prevent an escalation of force. Deputies using chemical
agents, electronic stun devices, and pepper balls must be
properly trained and maintain current certification. The
degree of control is to be in direct proportion to the amount
and type of resistance encountered. The age, sex, physical
size, and condition of the individual are to be taken into
consideration. Proper compliance techniques are to be used to
ensure the subject receives no undue injuries.
4. Intermediate Weapons - Use of the ASP baton, approved
kinetic energy impact projectiles (bean bag rounds), and a
Police Service Dog are acceptable alternatives to a deadly
force response. Response to active resistance/aggression is to
be in direct proportion to the degree of resistance encountered.
Only the degree of response required to effect control is to be
used. Proper techniques are to be used with these type
weapons and it should be remembered, improper use can lead
to serious injury or death of the suspect. This level of control
is the last resort before a deadly force response. Deputies
using intermediate weapons are to maintain current
certifications and demonstrate an acceptable degree of
proficiency in their use.

5. Deadly Force Response to Aggravated Active Resistance/
.Aggression- Is appropriate when imminent danger or death is

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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE / AGGRESSION

about to occur and other methods to stop the event would be
impractical or impossible. When it is clear your life or
another person's life is in imminent danger and there are no
other practical means at your disposal, then a deadly force
response would be authorized under the guidelines of Sheriff's
Office policy.
Response to Active Resistan.:elAggressioD Model Variables - The
following variables may affect a deputy's decision in escalating or deescalating the level of control:

•
•
•

Deputy and suspect size and gender.
Environmental conditions and totality of circumstances.
Reaction time.

Competenq Requirements - Except when confronted with deadly
aggravated active resistance/aggression, a deputy is not to
intentionally use techniques and/or instruments of control he has not
been trained in and certified as competent by this Office. A deputy
who believes his training is deficient or not current is to notify his
supervisor in writing of the perceived deficiency.
Other Instrumentstre.:hniques - This agency recognizes that in
exigent, tense, uncertain, and/or rapidly evolving aggravated
aggressive confrontations, a deputy may need to reasonably use
techniques and/or weapons not a part of this agency' s fonnal training
curricula, or not specifically addressed by this policy. Additionally, a
deputy may need to use a technique or weapon in a manner
inconsistent with training. It is further recognized that due to the
unpredictable nature of a person's movements and/or actions under
these circumstances, that defensive technique(s) and/or weapon(s)
may unintentionally (on the part of the deputy) impact a body area or
produce an outcome, which does not parallel training. See the
Appendix to this General Order for infonnation concerning
transportation of certain high-risk detainees and suspects at risk of in~
custody death.

RESPONSE TO ACTIVE
RESIST ANCElAGGRESSION
PROCEDURE:
DEFINED - For the purpose of this policy, a response to active
resistance/aggression is actual physical contact applied directly or
indirectly through the use of a weapon, causing one to submit because
of pain or injury. The pointing of a firearm at another person will
be do.:umented and reviewed as a response to active
resistan.:e/aggression.

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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE I AGGRESSION

The mere display of a weapon or verba) threats to use a weapon is
not a response to active resistance/aggression. These situations
will be considered "a show" of response to active
resistance/aggression. For example, a deputy holding a firearm or
other weapon in a non-threatening manner is not a response to active
resistance/aggression. Verbal threats to respond to active
resistance/aggression will be documented in a Code 5 (incident
report) or on a Code 4 (miscellaneous incident report card) if a Code 5
does not exist. A show of response to active resistance/aggression
will not be reviewed as an actual incident of response to active
resistance!aggression.
RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE/AGGRESSION REVIEW AND
ANALYSIS - All levels of control used during a response to
aggression will be fully documented in an Incident Report. Response
to aggression incident reports are to marked ·'RTA.~~ A Response to
Aggression Review form will be submitted when the level of control
used is Hard Empty Hand Control or greater, or when Soft Empty
Hand Control results in injury, or was used in an attempt to cause pain
compliance. A copy of the report and a completed Response to
Resistance!Aggression Review/Analysis form is to be submitted to
the Division Commander who reviews the incident and submits the
review to the Office of Professional Standards. Any deputy who
responds to resistance/aggression or any deputy that witnesses a
response to resistance!aggression is required to submit supplemental
reports to the Incident Report. Response to Resistance/Aggression
RevieW/Analysis forms are filed by the Office of Professional
Standards for policy and training review. Professional Standards
conducts a quarterly analysis of Response to Resistance!Aggression
reports in order to identify trends, training needs. or potential patterns
of abuse. The Sheriff reviews quarterly analysis reviews of Response
to Resistance/Aggression incidents.
RESPONSE TO ACTIVE AGGRAVATED RESISTANCE /
AGGRESSION - A weapon placed in the hands of a deputy is a
defensive tool used to protect the public at large and the deputy
himself. The use of a weapon by a deputy is to be based on
demonstrated need, tempered with common sense, consistent with
state law and Sheriffs Office regulations, and employed under a spur
of responsibility and informed professional judgment. A deadl)!:
force response to aggravated active resistance/aggression is to
occur only in situations presenting a grave threat to the deputy or the
public at large. A deadly force response to aggravated active
resistance/aggression is strictly limited to a situation where the crime
involved causes or threatens death or serious bodily hann, or where

there is a substantial risk that the person to be arrested will cause

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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE I AGGRESSION

death or serious bodily harm if apprehension is delayed. Serious
bodily harm is defined as life threateninL
ELEMENTS FOR A DEADLY FORCE RESPONSE TO
AGGRAVATED ACTIVE RESISTANCE/AGGRESSION - There

are two areas in which a deadly force response to aggravated active
resistance/ aggression is justified:
1. Self-defense or defense of the pUblic.
2. Apprehension of suspects involved in certain felonies regarded
as the "violent variety".
Self-defense or defense of the public - A deputy has reasonable

cause to believe a deadly force response to aggravated active
resistance/ aggression is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily
harm to him (self-defense) or others (defense of the public). In
making this determination, the following three elements must be
present:
1. ABILITY - The assailant must have some means to inflict
death or harm to the victim, i.e., a dangerous weapon or

physical ability to overpower and inflict death or serious
bodily harm by means of hands or feet.
2. OPPORTUNITY - The assailant must be in close enough
proximity to be able to inflict death or serious bodily harm.
The means by which the assailant intends to inflict the harm
will determine ifhe has the ability and opportunity. For
example, an assailant with a knife must be close enough to
throw the knife and inflict death or serious bodily harm. A
firearm, of course, would significantly extend the danger zone.

3. JEOPARDY - Not only must the assailant have both means
and opportunity to inflict death or serious bodily harm, he
must also be putting the intended victim injeopardy. In other
words, the assailant must be giving some tangible indication
he is about to use the means at his disposal to inflict death or
serious bodily harm, A mere verbal threat with no observable
action to use a weapon is usually not enough to constitute
jeopardy.
USE OF DEADLY FORCE AS LAST RESORT - A deputy is to

use every means at his disposal to prevent an assailant from
committing assault before resorting to a deadly force response to
aggravated active resistance/aggression. A voice command,
"Police-don't move!" is the minimum means of halting an offense.
Physical intrusion, use of a baton, and chemical agents are acceptable
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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE I AGGRESSION

responses to stop an assault, with a deadly force response used only as
a last resort.
The discharge ofa weapon (warning shot) for the purpose of warning
someone presents a serious hazard to all concerned and to innocent
bystanders. If a situation does not warrant the use of a deadly force
response to aggravated resistance/aggression then no shots are
warranted., warning or otherwise. Warning shots may be used as a
deadly force response in self-defense or defense of the pUblic.
APPREHENSION OF A FLEEING FELON - Possible escape of a
suspect wanted for a crime, even a violent crime, does not in itself
authorize a deadly force response. Instead~ escape of a violent suspect
must P9se a clearly recognizable threat to human life; such as through
a demonstrated threat to, or wanton disregard for, human life.

Conditions justifying a deadly force response to apprehend a
fleeing felon would include the following circumstances:
1. A crime endangering human life, such as murder, armed
robbery or other serious offenses where human life is
threatened.
2. Other means of apprehending the person reasonably believed
to have committed the life threatening crime are not available,
and the deputy has a reasonable belief that such an escape
would result in the commission of further violent crimes
endangering human life.
RESPONSE TO
RESISTANCEI
AGGRESSION
INVOLVING
MOVING VEHICLES:

Past incidents at the Sheriffs Office have proven it is not reasonable
to believe a moving vehicle will stop when fired upon. Likewise,
unless a deputy is at point blank range, it is improbable that the driver
will be disabled and the threat removed. A bullet will not stop a
moving vehicle.
As a law enforcement officer, a deputy is charged with the duty to
protect life and property, including his own life. Ideally, an
evaluation of the incident, his surroundings, and his options should
allow the deputy to determine proper tactic or procedure to place him
in the best possible position to protect citizens and himself. Time is
always critical and time at the deputy's disposal should be spent
avoiding or evading the threat.

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DECEMBER 8, 1977
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Since every situation is different, it would be unwise to completely
remove the option of firing at a moving vehicle; however, the
discharge of a weapon at or into a moving vehicle will be closely
scrutinized. The use of deadly force, after a deputy recklessly or
carelessly places himself in danger, will be subject to serious review.
REPORTING FIREARMS
DISCHARGE:
It is the responsibility of every deputy to immediately report to a

supervisor any incident, involving him or another deputy, when shots
are fired, accidentally or intentionally. The supervisor is to
immediately notify the Office of Professional Standards.
LOSS OF LIFE, INJURY
OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE:
A response to resistance/aggression incident resulting in personal
F

injury or property damage is to be factually detailed in writing. Any
employee whose aetion(s) or response to resistance/aggression in
an official capacity results in serious injury or death is to be
removed from a line duty assignment pending administrative
review by the Sheriff.
PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF LIFE OR INJURY:

1. When a response to resistance/aggression results in injury,
fIrst aid is to be rendered and/or EMS called as soon as
feasible. In any circumstance where response to
resistance/aggression results in loss of life, bodily injury, or
property damage, the Unifonn Patrol shift supervisor is to
immediately respond to the scene. The Sheriff; Division
Commander, and Office of Professional Standards are to be
immediately notified.
2. The supervisor of the CID Violent Crimes Unit, or his
designee, is to coordinate and direct the activities of
investigative teams to assure a comprehensive investigation of
the incident. Additional team members may be assigned as
required by the investigation itself.
3. The investigative team has the full responsibility for obtaining
complete written reports, statements and documentation from
the deputies, witnesses and other personnel present at the
scene oithe incident. All investigative reports, including
material evidence and infonnation when appropriate, are to be
thorough and complete.
4. The platoon commander or section supervisor is to present
reports of the incident, with comments, to the deputy's
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Division Commander no later than twenty-four (24) hours
after the incident. The Division Commander forwards all
documentation to the Sheriff.
5. No later than forty-eight (48) hours after the incident, the

Conduct and Procedures Review Board convenes to review
the complete investigation. After review, the Board forwards
formal recommendations to the Sheriff. who makes final
administrative disposition of the case.
Whenever a deputy employs any physical means to affect control
(including with the use of less~lethal and lethal weapons), unless
physically incapacitated, the deputy is to:
1. Ensure arrestee is properly restrained or no longer poses an

2.
3.
4.

5.
PROCEDURE FOR USE OF
OC (OLEORESIN
CAPSICUM):

immediate threat to the safety of others.
Ensure restrained subjects are placed in upright position.
Ensure handcuffed, heavyset persons are not required to
remain in a prone (lying on chest) position.
Determine physical condition of the person(s) subjected to
physical control.
Ensure first aid and emergency medical assistance, if needed.

1. Reassure subject that effects of the pepper product are
temporary.
2. Decontaminate subject with water.
3. Monitor subject for physical conditions indicating the possible
onset of a medical emergency.

SYMPTOMS INDICATING ONSET OF A MEDICAL
EMERGENCY INCLUDE -

•
•
•
•
•
•

Profuse sweating.
Chest/neck pain.
Shallow or restricted breathing.
Loss of consciousness.
Manifestations of paranoia/panic.
Sudden tranquility after an outburst of bizarre or aggressive
behavior.

PROCEDURES FOR USE
OF THE TASER:
General Requirements:

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1. Tasers should be deployed at a distance not greater than 21

feet from the deputy to the subject. The recommended
distance from the deputy to the subject is 7-15 feet. When
deploying the Taser, deputies should aim for center mass of
the body.

2. A single application from the Taser with a full 5-second cycle
will be used. lfthe subject is not compliant, additional 5second cycles will be used until the subject is incapacitated or
compliant and restrained. lfthe subject is not incapacitated or
compliant after three (3) 5-second cycles, the deputy should
consider whether another form of less-lethal force should be
used to obtain compliance. Policy does not limit the number
of discharges, but suggests that if the desired effect is not
achieved with three (3) cycles the deputy should move to a
different or higher level of force.
3. The Taser should not be used under the following
circumstances:

a. When the deputy cannot approach the subject within
the effective range;
b. On subjects who appear to weigh less than 100 pounds,
which include most children, unless the use of deadly
force is warranted;
c. On women known to be pregnant unless the use of
deadly force is warranted;
d. In proximity to flammable liquids, gases, or any other
highly combustible materials which may be ignited by
the arc of the Taser;
e. In any situation where the subject or their clothing may
be contaminated with combustible liquid, gas, or other
highly combustible material;
f. On subjects in control of a motor vehicle, unless the
use of deadly force is warranted.
4. Use of the Taser should be avoided if possible in the following

situations:
a. Subject with known heart problems;

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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE I AGGRESSION

b. Subjects mth an obvious debilitating illness;
c. The elderly;
d. Subjects mth known neuromuscular disorders such as
muscular sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or epilepsy;
e. Subjects known to be using biomedical devices
sensitive to electrical current or oxygen theory;
f.

5.

Subjects who, when incapacitated, may suffer serious
bodily injury from a resulting fall due to surrounding
environmental hazards (Le. sharp metals or broken
glass, subjects on the edge of a rooftop, etc.).

When using the Taser in the drive stun mode~ it should be
applied to the trunk of the body. The chest area, back, arms,
and legs, not the face and head. The drive stun mode mIl not
be used on a handcuffed or restrained subject, unless extreme
violent circumstances develop and use would prevent injury to
the deputy, suspect or others.

Effects of the Taser and deputy response:

1. As soon as a subject is struck with the Taser probes, they
should become incapacitated and may fall to the ground.
2. The subject should be handcuffed and restrained as soon as the
deputy deems the situation safe for handcuffing. If another
deputy is present, they should handcuff the subject
immediately during or after the application of the Taser.
During the application is suggested, while the subject is
incapacitated by the Taser.
3. The deputy should continue talking to the subject and giving
verbal commands throughout this process.
4. The deputy should reassure the subject that the effect of the
Taser is temporary and no further cycles will be delivered as
long as the subject complies with instructions and does not
continue to resist.
5. The subject will 'continually be monitored by the deputy for
any signs of medical distress related to the use of the Taser
and shall not be left alone while in custody.

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6. If a subject is injured as a result of Taser use (Le. such as by a
fall after incapacitation) and requires medical attention, the
deputy will summon assistance from EMS or transport the
subject to a medical facility for evaluation. Every effort should
be made to photograph the signature marks and their location
for documentation and possible future investigations.
7. The deputy will be responsible for notifying the transport
deputy or booking intake officer that the subject had received
a Taser application, when transfer of custody takes place.

8. The expended Taser cartridge and probes shall be considered
evidence in the post incident investigation. After removal,
place both probes inside their used cartridge, sharps down.
They should be collected and handled as evidence.
Probe removal:
Taser probes that penetrate sensitive areas of the subject's body (Le.,
neck, face, groin, and breast area of females) will only be removed by
medical personnel.
Care and maintenance of the Taser:
1. Taser cartridges shall be carried in issued cartridge carriers,
probes down. Cartridges are not to be carried loosely in
pockets or similar fashion. Carrying cartridges in this manner
can cause static electricity, which may prompt the cartridge to
deploy. All Taser cartridges will be stored in their shipping
boxes until issued.
2. Taser cartridges will be stored in a cool, dry environment and
should be replaced according to their expiration date.

3. Batteries should not be removed from the Taser. Doing so
can interfere with the internal clock and data downloads.
4. Taser Instructors Only will address malfunctions and battery
replacement. Other concerns should be directed to the Staff at
the Center for Advanced Training.
5. A Spark Test will be conducted on the Taser before each tour
of duty. to ensure it is functioning properly.

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DECEMBER 8~ 1977
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NECK
HOLDSIRESTRAINTS:

HOG-TYING:

The use of physical neck holds or restraints is extremely dangerous.
Such methods are governed by the response to aggravated active
resistance/aggression po Hcy of this Office.
The process of hog-tying detainees for transport is prohibited. For
violent detainees, the use of hObble restraints is authorized consistent
with current training practices. When using hobbles, close the car
door on the end strap to prevent the detainee from kicking, but do not
connect the strap to the handcuffs or the detainee's belt. Do not leave
the strap dangling outside of the vehicle from the car door.

REVIEW AND REMEDIAL

TRAINING:

Any officer determined to have discharged a weapon as a result of an
accident or negligence is required to immediately undergo remedial
firearms training, in addition to any disciplinary action. If necessary,
a special class is to be scheduled to meet this requirement.

POLICY AWARENESS

AND INSTRUCTION:

Prior to receiving a field assignment, a deputy trainee's immediate
supervisor or Field Training Deputy is to ensure the trainee:
1. Has a copy of this general order.
2. Understands this general order.

3. Signs a Response to Resistance/Aggression Statement.

Steve

12

Loftis~

DECEMBER 8, 1977
GCS0004442