Excerpts from Las Vegas police use of force policy

The Metropolitan Police Department's use of force policy has undergone significant changes. Here are excerpts from key parts of the new policy.

GENERAL USE OF FORCE - PREVIOUS VERSION

"It is the policy of this department to accomplish the police mission as efficiently and unobtrusively as possible. The department has the highest regard for the dignity and liberty of all persons, and places minimal reliance upon the use of force and authority."

GENERAL USE OF FORCE - NEW VERSION

"It is the policy of this department that officers hold the highest regard for the dignity and liberty of all persons, and place minimal reliance upon the use of force. The department respects the value of every human life and that the application of deadly force is a measure to be employed in the most extreme circumstances."

ADDED POLICIES

DUTY TO INTERVENE: "Any officer present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, safely intercede to prevent the use of such excessive force."

DE-ESCALATION: "In their interaction with subjects, officers should use advisements, warnings, verbal persuasion, and other tactics and alternatives to higher levels of force. Officers should recognize that they may withdraw to a position that is tactically more secure or allows them greater distance in order to consider or deploy a greater variety of force options. Officers shall perform their work in a manner that avoids unduly jeopardizing their own safety or the safety of others through poor tactical decisions."

INTERMEDIATE FORCE: The Police Department created a new category of force, called Intermediate Force, based on recent rulings by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The category includes the use of the Taser stun gun, pepper spray, the beanbag shotgun and other uses of force that fall short of deadly force. The new policy restricts their use unless the officer faces an imminent threat.