Code of Massachusetts Regulations
103 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Title 103 CMR 505.00 - Use Of Force
Section 505.09 - Use of Force

Universal Citation: 103 MA Code of Regs 103.505

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) Staff shall attempt to use De-Escalation tactics prior to any use of force. Where De-Escalation tactics are unsuccessful or are not possible, an employee may use reasonable and proportionate force in the manner stated in the Use of Force Pyramid, and given the totality of the circumstances, when it is necessary to do the following:

(a) prevent an act which could result in death or serious bodily injury to themselves or another person;

(b) defend themselves or another against a physical assault;

(c) prevent or control a riot or disturbance

(d) prevent an escape or apprehend an escaped inmate;

(e) preserve the overall order and security of the institution, or preserve the safety of any employee, inmate, or visitor;

(f) prevent significant damage to property;

(g) conduct a search of an inmate who has refused an employee's order to submit to said search; or

(h) move an inmate who has refused an employee's order to move.

(2) Whenever possible, any staff member involved in a use of force that results in injury to that staff member, should be removed from the situation as soon as possible, either voluntarily or by the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Team Leader, or any other supervisory personnel.

(3) Where feasible, any spontaneous Use of Force will be videotaped.

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