What document typically outlines a police department's use of force policy?

The department's standard operating procedures (SOP) or policy manual is the comprehensive document that outlines a police department's use of force policy. This manual serves as a formal guideline that articulates the principles and protocols regarding how officers should respond to various situations requiring the use of force. It includes important information about the legal standards, departmental philosophy, and specific procedures that must be followed to ensure that the use of force is appropriate, necessary, and proportional to the situation at hand.

Moreover, this SOP is crucial for training new officers and serving as a reference for existing officers, ensuring consistency in how the department handles incidents that may escalate to the use of force. The policy manual is often informed by state laws and community needs, but it is the SOP that provides the structured, actionable framework needed for officers to adhere to when making critical decisions in the field.