(a) For the purposes of this section, “Use of Force Options” refers to the choices available to an employee when selecting a reasonable force option.

(b) The choices include but are not limited to: dialogue or verbal persuasion, chemical restraint, physical strengths and holds, mechanical restraint, less-lethal weapons and firearms.

(c) Force shall be used only when reasonably necessary to subdue an attacker, overcome resistance, effect custody, or to gain compliance with a lawful order. It is the policy of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice to accomplish the educational, treatment and supervision functions with minimal reliance on the use of force. Employees may use reasonable force as required in the performance of their duties, but unnecessary or excessive force shall not be used. If staff, at any point, determines the situation can be resolved without any further use of force, staff shall terminate the use of force.

(d) Any employee observing unnecessary or excessive force shall attempt to stop the violation and immediately report it to the Watch Commander verbally and follow up with a written report of their observations prior to leaving the facility.

(e) An employee shall not use any type of force against a ward, including chemical or mechanical restraint as punishment, retaliation, or for disciplinary purposes.

(f) The Division recognizes the sanctity of human life. Therefore, deadly force shall only be used when it is reasonable force and is needed to defend the employee or other persons from the immediate threat of death or great bodily injury.

(g) A firearm shall not be discharged if there is reason to believe that persons other than the intended target will be injured.