A look at the categories of force that SJPD will use to grade encounters

Examples of how officers’ use of force will be divided in increasing order of severity:

• Category I: Any use of force not covered by the other categories that “causes a minor injury or complaint of pain”

• Category II: Taser use; impact weapon (e.g., baton) not to the head; OC (pepper) spray; projectile weapons where up to four rounds hit a suspect

• Category III: Impact weapon or projectile weapon that hits the head; projectile weapon where more than four rounds hit a suspect; kicks to the head; when two or more officers deploy less-lethal force to one suspect; when four or more officers use reportable force on one suspect; force that causes a broken bone; police dog bites; use of carotid restraint; when force causes a loss of consciousness; when force leads to a suspect’s hospitalization

• Category IV: Deadly force