1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear standards for the appropriate use of force and defensive equipment by Crime Trackers Massachusetts (CTM) personnel, including staff who hold a License to Carry (LTC) or are Authorized and Recognized for Non-Engagement Defense (ARENED). This ensures operational safety, legal compliance, and the protection of both personnel and the public during field activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All full-time, part-time, and contract field personnel
- Operational volunteers engaged in field activities
- Staff holding an LTC
- Staff authorized under ARENED for defensive measures
- Supervisors and managers responsible for oversight of field operations
3. Policy Statement
- Force may only be used when necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to address a legitimate threat to safety or property.
- Defensive equipment may be used strictly in accordance with training, LTC regulations, ARENED authorization, organizational guidelines, and applicable law.
- Unauthorized use of force or equipment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
4. Use of Force Principles
All personnel, including LTC and ARENED staff, must adhere to the following principles:
- Necessity: Force is authorized only when no reasonable alternative exists to prevent harm or achieve operational objectives.
- Proportionality: Force must match the threat or resistance encountered.
- De-escalation: Personnel must use verbal warnings and non-physical methods whenever possible to avoid using force.
- Accountability: All use-of-force incidents, including those involving LTC or ARENED staff, must be immediately reported and documented.
5. Defensive Equipment
A. Authorized Equipment
- Personal protective gear (vests, helmets, gloves)
- Restraint devices (handcuffs, zip ties, or approved alternatives)
- Non-lethal deterrents (batons, pepper spray, or approved devices)
- Firearms, for LTC and ARENED staff, only when legally licensed and operationally justified
B. Equipment Use Guidelines
- Personnel must be trained and certified in the safe and authorized use of all equipment
- LTC and ARENED staff may carry and use firearms only in accordance with Massachusetts LTC law, organizational policy, and situational necessity
- Equipment must only be used within the limits of training, authorization, and law
- Improper use may result in retraining, suspension, or disciplinary action
6. Reporting & Documentation
- All use-of-force incidents, including those involving LTC or ARENED staff, must be reported immediately to a supervisor or designated compliance officer
- Reports must include:
- Date, time, and location
- Parties involved and witnesses
- Circumstances necessitating force
- Type and level of force or defensive equipment used
- Outcome and follow-up actions
- Supervisors must review reports, verify compliance, and escalate to executive oversight as appropriate
7. Training & Certification
- All field personnel must complete mandatory training on:
- Use-of-force principles
- Defensive equipment handling
- De-escalation techniques
- Firearm safety, if LTC or ARENED certified
- Refresher training is required annually or when procedures or equipment are updated
8. Supervisor Responsibilities
- Ensure adherence to use-of-force guidelines and defensive equipment protocols
- Review and approve use-of-force reports
- Investigate incidents for compliance and legal adherence
- Provide corrective guidance or disciplinary action when necessary
9. Prohibited Actions
Personnel, including LTC and ARENED staff, must not:
- Use excessive or retaliatory force
- Employ equipment beyond authorized training or scope
- Apply force against individuals who do not pose a legitimate threat
- Conceal, alter, or fail to report use-of-force incidents
10. Policy Review
- This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with Massachusetts law, organizational standards, and operational best practices
- Updates shall be documented and communicated to all personnel
Crime Trackers Massachusetts 