Vigo County Sheriff's Office - Policy Manual

(b)

Whether the individual can comply with the direction or orders of the deputy.

(c)

Whether the individual has been given sufficient opportunity to comply.

The application of any pain compliance technique shall be discontinued once the deputy determines that compliance has been achieved.

300.3.4 CAROTID CONTROL HOLD

A carotid control hold is a technique designed to control an individual by temporarily restricting blood flow through the application of pressure to the side of the neck and, unlike a chokehold, does not restrict the airway. The proper application of the carotid control hold may be effective in restraining a violent or combative individual. However, due to the potential for injury, the use of the carotid control hold is limited to those circumstances where deadly force is authorized and is subject to the following:

(a)

At all times during the application of the carotid control hold, the response of the individual should be monitored. The carotid control hold should be discontinued when circumstances indicate that the application no longer reasonably appears necessary.

(b)

Any individual who has had the carotid control hold applied, regardless of whether he/she was rendered unconscious, shall be promptly examined by paramedics or other qualified medical personnel and should be monitored until such examination occurs.

(c)

The deputy shall inform any person receiving custody, or any person placed in a position of providing care, that the individual has been subjected to the carotid control hold and whether the individual lost consciousness as a result.

(d)

Any deputy attempting or applying the carotid control hold shall promptly notify a supervisor of the use or attempted use of such hold.

(e)

The use or attempted use of the carotid control hold shall be thoroughly documented by the deputy in any related reports.

300.3.5 USE OF FORCE TO SEIZE EVIDENCE

In general, deputies may use reasonable force to lawfully seize evidence and to prevent the destruction of evidence. However, deputies are discouraged from using force solely to prevent a person from swallowing evidence or contraband. In the instance when force is used, deputies should not intentionally use any technique that restricts blood flow to the head, restricts respiration or which creates a reasonable likelihood that blood flow to the head or respiration would be restricted. Deputies are encouraged to use techniques and methods taught by the Vigo County Sheriff's Office for this specific purpose.

300.3.6 ALTERNATIVE TACTICS - DE-ESCALATION

When circumstances reasonably permit, deputies should use non-violent strategies and techniques to decrease the intensity of a situation, improve decision-making, improve communication, reduce the need for force, and increase voluntary compliance (e.g., summoning additional resources, formulating a plan, attempting verbal persuasion).

Use of Force

300.3.4 CAROTID CONTROL HOLD

300.3.5 USE OF FORCE TO SEIZE EVIDENCE

300.3.6 ALTERNATIVE TACTICS - DE-ESCALATION