Chapter Three:
The Monadnock Baton Chart

The use of force by officers is permissible when used to effect an arrest; to overcome resistance; to prevent escape; in self-defense; or in the defense of others. The force used must be objectively reasonable based on facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time the force is used. Officers should take into consideration; the severity of the crime involved; the actions of the subject; whether the subject poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or to others; and officer/subject factors. Officers' decisions are often made in circumstances that are stressful and ever changing, thus officers are not required to determine the least intrusive measure of force that might resolve the situation. Officers are required to select an objectively reasonable option given the totality of the circumstances known to them at the time.

Determining whether the force used is objectively reasonable requires a careful balancing of factors including, but not limited to, the probable severity of injury to officers, subjects and others as a result of the application of force. Target selection based on medical evaluations of the vulnerability of the various parts of the human body and potential injury to subjects may assist officers in reducing injuries to subjects. In the "Monadnock Baton Chart", the potential trauma to the body has been designated by colors denoting the level of risk incurred by the application of physical force by means of a baton.

Escalation And De-Escalation Of Trauma

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The concept of Green, Yellow and Red Target Areas of the Monadnock Baton Chart was developed to assist officers in assessing the probability of injury to subjects. When time allows, officers' use of force should take into consideration escalating and de-escalating options based on threat assessment, officer/subject factors and the probable severity of injury.

The Concept In Action

Green Target Areas are for confrontations where the subject is resisting an officer or another. Yellow Target Areas are for confrontations where the subject is assaulting an officer or another, or when force applied to a Green Target Area fails to overcome resistance or does not correspond with the threat level. Red Target Areas are for confrontations where the subject is attempting to cause serious bodily injury to an officer or another; or situations where force to lower level target areas fail to overcome the resistance and end the confrontation. Physical force directed at Red Target Areas pose a greater risk of injury to the subject and in certain areas may constitute deadly force because of the probability of causing death.

Monadnock Baton Chart And The Resistance-Response Model

The target areas of the Monadnock Baton Chart are included in a Resistance-Response Model as illustrated.

In a situation where an officer is suddenly assaulted by a subject with a knife it would be reasonable for the officer to utilize a firearm. However, circumstances might force an officer to utilize a baton in response to such a threat. Given the fact that the officer is facing a potential lethal threat any target area or technique would be acceptable including jabs, spins and chops to RED AREAS. A note of caution should be made that any officer who decides to use a less than lethal level of force in response to a lethal threat does so at a high risk to his/her personal safety, the safety of others and risks the possibility that the subject will evade apprehension.

Updates And Flexibility

Last year the Monadnock Police Training Council Updated its Baton Chart to more closely adhere to the current definition of acceptable use of force. The chart was analyzed from a medical and legal stand point to ensure its accuracy. As a result, some of the color-coded classifications were lowered. To learn more about why the Council made these changes you can read the 1998 Monadnock Baton Chart Release by clicking here.

It is important to note that Monadnock still supports the initial Monadnock Baton Chart, called the Escalation of Trauma Chart. In fact, the Council would support any agency or instructor who finds it necessary to raise a specific target area to a higher color-coded classification; for example, the collarbone from a Yellow to a Red Target Area. Any agency or instructor who elects to do so must clearly document that action. The Council would not support any change whereby a specific Target Area's color-code is lowered; for example, changing the collarbone from a Yellow to a Green Target Area.

 

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