preclude the necessity for striking or inflicting bodily injury on the prisoner. Accordingly, physical
force will not be used to force compliance with rules or regulations other than under the following
circumstances:
a. When a group or mass breakout, or riot, or other general disorder is imminent, inform the
prisoners that authority prevails, that order will be restored, and that means are available to restore it
by the vigorous application of force, if necessary. If the situation permits, an attempt will be made
to reason with prisoners engaged in a disorder. This is not to be interpreted as requiring bargaining
with or making concessions to prisoners in a state of revolt. If reasoning fails, or if the existing
situation does not permit reasoning, a direct order will be given to the prisoner to terminate the
disorder. This order will not be given until it can be enforced effectively by application of such
priorities of force as the situation may require.
b. An incident that involves the taking of hostages or demands for concessions will not
preclude the application of force. However, such incidents will be reported immediately to the
appropriate commander, if the situation permits, prior to the application of any force.
3. When the use of force is necessary, it will be exercised according to the priorities of force.
Force will be limited to the minimum degree necessary under the particular circumstances. When
firepower is used, the intent will be to disable rather than to kill. Personnel authorized to direct the
use of firearms in the event of a riot or another disturbance will be specifically designated by
commanders of confinement facilities. The designated personnel and specific instructions will be
incorporated in appropriate plans, operating procedures, or instructions.
4. The application of any or all priorities of force, or the application of a higher numbered
priority without first employing a lower numbered one, will depend upon and be consistent with the
situation encountered during any particular disorder. A discussion of the priorities of force follows.
a. Verbal persuasion is the lowest level of force and is authorized by the internment facility
commander.
(1) Verbal persuasion is used together with Interpersonal Communication (IPC) skills to
direct disorderly detainees to cooperate with staff and follow orders.
(2) Verbal persuasion may be used at the onset of verbal altercations between detainees
or between detainees and staff members. Verbal persuasion will be used to order disorderly
detainees to return to their compound or tent, or order an unruly detainee in segregation to surrender
property or prepare to be placed in restraints.
(3) If the situation permits, an attempt will be made to reason with prisoners engaged in
any disorder prior to the application of any force. If reasoning fails, or if the existing situation does
not permit reasoning, a direct order will be given to prisoners to terminate the disorder. This order
will not be given until it can be enforced effectively by application of force as the situation may
require.
(4) The use of verbal persuasion should always be attempted prior to escalating to a
higher level of force.
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