(A) For the purposes of this section of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
DE-ESCALATION. A desired outcome achieved by utilizing decision-making, communication, and tactics to resolve conflict or potential conflict, which is ethically based on the preservation of life and the avoidance of the use of force.
USE OF FORCE. Physical force used upon, or directed toward, the body of another person.
(B) The Chief of Police shall incorporate the following requirements, consistent with law and legal precedent, regarding the use of force in any policies, procedures, or regulations concerning the conduct of department members:
(1) Choking techniques are only an approved force option in a situation where the use of deadly force would be allowed.
(2) Department members should, when reasonable under the totality of the circumstances, attempt to resolve conflict or potential conflict through de-escalation techniques to decrease the likelihood that officers will resort to the use of force.
(3) Department members should, if feasible, give a clearly audible verbal warning before the use of deadly force.
(4) Department members should, when reasonable under the totality of the circumstances, exhaust all reasonable alternative uses of force prior to using firearms.
(5) Department members should act to prevent or stop any other officer, regardless of rank or assignment, from using unlawful, unnecessary, or excessive force.
(6) Department members should not discharge their firearms either at, or from, a moving vehicle unless deadly force is being used against the officer or another person. The use of a vehicle by a civilian shall not be considered deadly force unless there is gunfire or other deadly force emanating from the vehicle or it is reasonable to believe the vehicle is being used to strike a person, a crowd, another vehicle or a building or structure when capable of causing mass injuries, serious physical injuries, or the death of another person.
(7) Department members should, based on facts known to the officer, utilize the lowest level of force reasonable to gain control of the subject.
(8) Department members should report, through the chain of command, each use of physical force other than a control hold and each instance of pointing a firearm at another person.
(Lou. Metro Ord. No. 128-2020, approved 11-5-2020; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 158-2020, approved 12-23-2020)