RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

5.1.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish lawful, reasonable, and standardized guidelines governing the use of force by personnel of the Randolph County Detention Center. This policy ensures that force is applied in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution, federal case law, and the Code of Alabama, while protecting the safety of staff, detainees, and the public.

5.1.2 POLICY

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that force shall be used only when reasonably necessary, and only to the degree required to maintain or restore control, ensure safety, prevent escape, or protect persons from harm.

Force shall never be used as punishment, retaliation, coercion, or for personal reasons.

All uses of force must comply with:

• The Eighth Amendment (prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment)

• The Fourteenth Amendment (due process protections for pretrial detainees)

• Applicable federal case law

• Title 13A, Chapter 3, Article 2 of the Code of Alabama (§13A-3-20 through §13A-3-30)

5.1.3 DEFINITIONS

Force:
 

Any physical action taken by staff to compel compliance, control behavior, or restrain a detainee, including the use of hands, restraints, or weapons.

Deadly Force:
 

Force which, under the circumstances in which it is used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury (Code of Alabama §13A-3-20).

Objectively Reasonable:
 

A standard established by federal law requiring that the use of force be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, without the benefit of hindsight.

5.1.4 LEGAL AUTHORITY

Alabama Law

Use of force is authorized pursuant to:

• §13A-3-23 (Use of force in defense of a person)

• §13A-3-24 (Use of force in defense of premises)

• §13A-3-25 (Use of force to prevent theft or criminal mischief)

• §13A-3-27 (Use of force in making an arrest or preventing escape)

• §13A-3-28 through §13A-3-30 (limitations and justifications)

5.1.5 FEDERAL USE OF FORCE STANDARDS (CASE LAW)

Staff shall adhere to the following constitutional standards established by the United States Supreme Court:

• Barnes v. Felix (2025)
  Rejects the “moment of the threat" standard under the Fourth Amendment.

• Kingsley v. Hendrickson (2015):
  Applies objective reasonableness standard to pretrial detainees under the Fourteenth Amendment.

• Hudson v. McMillian (1992):
  Prohibits malicious and sadistic use of force against convicted detainees (Eighth Amendment).

• Graham v. Connor (1989):
  Establishes the “objective reasonableness” standard under the Fourth Amendment.

• Whitley v. Albers (1986):
  Allows force in good faith to maintain or restore discipline during disturbances.

• Tennessee v. Garner (1985):
  Governs the use of deadly force, restricting it to situations involving significant threat of death or serious injury.

5.1.6 AUTHORIZED USES OF FORCE

Detention Center personnel may use force only to the extent reasonably necessary in the following situations:

a. Self-Defense
 

To protect oneself from imminent harm (§13A-3-23)

b. Defense of Others
 

To protect staff, detainees, or visitors from harm (§13A-3-23)

c. Prevention of Crime
 

To prevent the commission of a crime (§13A-3-24)

d. Prevention of Escape
 

To prevent escape or recapture an escaping detainee (§13A-3-27)

e. Enforcement of Facility Rules
 

To maintain order and discipline when lesser means are ineffective

5.1.7 USE OF FORCE GUIDELINES

1. Staff shall use the least amount of force necessary to achieve a legitimate objective.

2. De-escalation techniques shall be used whenever feasible.

3. Force shall be proportional to the threat presented.

4. Force shall cease immediately once control is achieved.

5. Whenever possible, staff should provide verbal warnings prior to using force.

6. Supervisory notification shall occur as soon as practical.

5.1.8 PROHIBITED USES OF FORCE

Force shall not be used:

• As punishment or retaliation

• To coerce or intimidate

• Against a compliant or restrained detainee

• In a manner inconsistent with law or policy

5.1.9 USE OF DEADLY FORCE

Deadly force shall be used only as a last resort and only under the following conditions:

1. Defense of Life
    

When the officer reasonably believes such force is necessary to protect themselves or another person from imminent threat of death or serious physical injury (§13A-3-23)

2. Prevention of Escape (Felony Offenders Only)

When the officer reasonably believes:

2. • The detainee poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to others; and

2. • Deadly force is necessary to prevent escape (§13A-3-27; consistent with Tennessee v. Garner)

3. Deadly force shall not be used against non-violent fleeing detainees.

5.1.10 WEAPONS CONTROL AND USE

• Only weapons approved and issued by the Administrator shall be authorized.

• Weapons may be used only in emergency situations.

• Secure storage shall be maintained at all times.

• A written log shall document all issuance and use.

• Monthly inventories shall be conducted.

• Expired or unsafe weapons shall be removed from service.

5.1.11 RESTRAINTS

Restraints shall be used only:

• To prevent escape

• To prevent injury to self or others

• To maintain control

Restraints shall never be used as punishment and must be applied in a safe and humane manner.

5.1.12 MEDICAL ATTENTION

• Immediate medical evaluation shall be provided following any use of force when injury is suspected or alleged.

• Medical staff shall document all findings.

5.1.13 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Following any use of force:

1. Staff shall complete:

1. • Incident Report

1. • Use of Force Report

2. Reports shall be submitted before the end of the shift.

3. Any use of deadly force shall require:

3. • Immediate notification of the Sheriff

3. • Notification of the District Attorney

3. • Administrative and/or criminal investigation

5.1.14 REVIEW AND INVESTIGATION

• All use of force incidents shall be reviewed by supervisory staff.

• Serious uses of force shall be investigated.

• Policy violations shall result in disciplinary action.

5.1.15 TRAINING

All detention personnel shall receive training in:

• Use of force laws and policy

• Defensive tactics

• De-escalation techniques

• Use of authorized weapons

• Duty to intervene and report excessive force

5.1.16 DUTY TO INTERVENE AND REPORT

Any staff member who observes excessive or unlawful force:

• Shall intervene when safe to do so

• Shall immediately report the incident

Failure to act may result in disciplinary action.

5.1.17 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDKEEPING

• All use of force incidents shall be documented and maintained.

• Records shall be reviewed for trends, training needs, and compliance.