Use of Force (VA) [2026]

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Course Author(s)

Course Summary

The Division of Capitol Police recognizes and respects the value and special integrity of each human life. Investing police officers with the lawful authority to use force to protect the public welfare, a careful balancing of all human interests is required.

Therefore, it is the policy of this Division that officers will use ONLY that force which is reasonable to effectively bring an incident under control while protecting lives.

In determining the necessity for force and the appropriate level of force, officers shall evaluate each situation in light of the known circumstances, including, but not limited to: the seriousness of the crime, the level of threat or resistance presented by the subject, and the danger to the community.

The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform procedures governing the use of force by officers of this Division, as well as the reporting and investigation of use of force incidents. This policy is intended to convey work rules or standards of conduct in the context of the employment relationship, the violation of which may form the basis for Division administrative sanctions.

Course Syllabus

  • Module 1 - Course Introduction

    • Course Introduction and Overarching Goals
    • General Introduction by Randy Means
    • Overall Goal of This Course by Greg Siedel
    • Overview of the Fours Keys of Use of Force

  • Module 2 - Key One - Managing Emotions and Interpersonal Communication

    • Module Objectives
    • Module Introduction by Randy Means
    • Managing Emotions
    • Steps to Managing Behavior
    • Monitoring Our Thoughts and Self-talk
    • Tactical Interpersonal Communications
    • The Art and Science of Officer-Citizen Contacts - Part 1
    • The Art and Science of Officer-Citizen Contacts - Part 2
    • Summary
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 3 - Key Two - Assure the Legal Validity of the CORE Transaction

    • Module Objectives
    • Module Introduction by Randy Means
    • The Voluntary Contact
    • Investigative Detention Part 1
    • Investigative Detention Part 2
    • Arrests and Non-consensual Entry Into Private Premises
    • Entry Scenarios
    • Summary
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 4 - Key Three - Maintaining Proportionality

    • Module Objectives
    • Module Introduction by Randy Means
    • Federal Constitutional Standards and the Objective Reasonable Test
    • Use of Deadly Force
    • Managing Proportionality
    • The Complete Officer Model
    • 14 Personal Force Factors
    • Force Factors
    • Common Variables
    • The Need For a Use of Force Policy
    • Managing Use of Force Escalations and Personal Conditioning
    • Weapon Proficiency and Mindset
    • Summary
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 5 - Key Four - Avoiding Peripheral Poisonings

    • Module Objectives
    • Module Introduction by Randy Means
    • Use of Force Critical Junctures and Examples
    • Role of Force Documentation
    • Truthfulness, Character and Reputation
    • Summary
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 6 - Virginia Statutory Standards for Use of Force

    • Definitions
    • Restrictions on the Use of Force
    • Restrictions on the Use of Deadly Force
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 7 - Use of Force Final Assessment

    • Module Introduction by Randy Means
    • Module Assessment