Formal complaint: Use of force to affect a detention, an arrest, or to conduct a search and pain compliance techniques
Complainant alleges that officer(s) used excessive force for a traffic ticket warrant and that he was assaulted by an officer who “punched him in the face/ jaw." The OPO recommends that this allegation receive a B classification.
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OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
December 4, 2019
ICMS #: 2019-0924
Complaint:
The complainant,
,
stated while he was waiting in his car to pick his girlfriend up
from work, an unmarked car pulled up behind him and an officer told him he "thinks" he has
warrants. Mr.
alleges that one of the officers hit him in the "left side of his face/jaw." Mr.
alleges that the officer(s) used excessive force for a traffic ticket warrant and he was
assaulted by the officer who "punched him in the face/ jaw.
Additional information:
A
Officer
and Officer
documented the Response to
Resistance and Corporal
was the responding Supervisor.
Administrative Policy to Review:
200.3.2 USE OF FORCE TO AFFECT A DETENTION, AN ARREST OR TO CONDUCT
A SEARCH
An officer is justified in using reasonable force when the officer reasonably believes the use of
such force is immediately necessary (Tex. Penal Code § 9.51(a)):
(a)
To make or assist in a detention or an arrest, or to conduct a search that the officer
reasonably believes is lawful;
(b)
To prevent or assist in preventing escape after an arrest, provided the officer
reasonably believes the arrest or search is lawful; or
(c) To make an arrest or conduct a search under a warrant that the officer reasonably
believes is valid.
206.6 PAIN COMPLIANCE TECHNIQUES
Pain compliance techniques may be effective in controlling a passive or actively resisting
individual. Officers may only apply those pain compliance techniques for which the officer has
an objectively reasonable belief that the use of such a technique appears necessary to further a
legitimate law enforcement purpose.
(a) Officers should consider the following when using pain compliance techniques:
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
OF
CITY
CUSTOM
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
1. The potential for injury to the officers or others if the technique is not used.
2. The potential for serious injury to the individual being controlled.
3. Whether the pain compliance technique is effective in achieving an appropriate
level of control.
4. The nature of the offense involved.
5. The level of resistance of the individual(s) involved.
6. The need for prompt resolution of the situation.
7. If time permits (e.g., passive demonstrators), other reasonable alternatives.
(b) The application of any pain compliance technique shall be discontinued once the
officer determines that compliance has been achieved or other more appropriate
alternatives can reasonably be utilized.
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation
on the classificati
ministrative
The OPO recommends that this allegation receive a B classification.