The Denver Sheriff Department’s new use-of-force policy released Thursday requires deputies to try “verbal judo” first to de-escalate conflicts with inmates and to use the least amount of force necessary to gain control.
The policy brings significant change to how deputies at the city’s two jails will control and interact with inmates, outlining a standard of “reasonable and necessary” force that is more restrictive than the standard set by state and federal law.
City leaders and department watchdogs agreed the new protocol is one of the more progressive policies in the country. However, sheriff’s department critics said pressure now lies with Sheriff Patrick Firman and safety director Stephanie O’Malley to enforce it among the staff.
In plain language, void of the legalese typical in departmental orders, the policy outlines the steps deputies should take before using force and the options they have for getting inmates under control. The policy also includes lessons learned from past cases in which inmates were killed behind bars.
If deputies use force, they will be asked to explain why they did so and what steps they took to avoid it.
The policy reflects changing national expectations for how and when law enforcement officers use force against citizens.
O’Malley called the new policy a “milestone” in reforming the department.