Use-of-Force Continuum: Minnesota Training Requirements

Subdivision 1.Deadly force policy. By January 1, 1992, the head of every local and state law enforcement agency shall establish and enforce a written policy governing the use of force, including deadly force, as defined in section 609.066, by peace officers and part-time peace officers employed by the agency. The policy must be consistent with the provisions of section 609.066, subdivision 2, and may not prohibit the use of deadly force under circumstances in which that force is justified under section 609.066, subdivision 2.
Subd. 1a.Updated policy required. (a) By September 1, 2020, the board, in consultation with interested parties, shall adopt an updated comprehensive written model policy on the use of force, including deadly force, by peace officers, and distribute this policy to the chief law enforcement officer of every law enforcement agency in the state. The model policy must recognize and respect the sanctity and value of all human life and the need to treat everyone with dignity and without prejudice. At a minimum, the policy must include:
(1) a duty for peace officers to intercede when present and observing another peace officer using force that is clearly beyond what is objectively reasonable under the law and the particular circumstances of the case, and in a position to do so;
(2) a duty for peace officers to report any illegal use of force by another peace officer to the officer's chief law enforcement officer; and
(3) a duty for peace officers to only use deadly force including techniques that are restricted by section 609.06, subdivision 3, as authorized in section 609.066. However, even in those circumstances, the policy must require that less lethal measures be considered first by the officer.