BOP Program Statement 5566.07 § 15

It is the policy of the Department of Justice to value and preserve human life. Employees may

use deadly force only, when necessary, that is, when the employee has a reasonable belief that

the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the

officer or another person.

The necessity to use deadly force may arise when all available and reasonable means of

achieving the law enforcement purpose have failed or are likely to fail. Deadly force must be

used only when deemed necessary for the following law enforcement purposes. Examples of law

enforcement purposes in the correctional environment include but are not limited to:

■ prevention of escape,

■ prevention of serious physical injury or death, and

■ maintaining or restoring control of a correctional institution.

The remainder of this policy describes the circumstances in which deadly force may be used to

effectuate these purposes. An employee is not required to jeopardize personal safety or the safety

of others before using deadly force to prevent serious injuries/bodily harm or death.

Deadly force should not be used against persons whose actions are a threat solely to themselves

or property unless an individual poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to

the employee or others in close proximity.

If the employee believes a potential escapee to be an individual sentenced under the Juvenile

Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, an individual held in Bureau custody as a material

witness, or an individual held in civil contempt (i.e., not a criminal charge), deadly force is

P5566.07 7/17/2024 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 24

permissible only when authorized under this policy.

The carotid restraint and chokehold techniques are prohibited unless use of deadly force is

justified under law and this policy.