The Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission discussed deputies’ policies on force, restraint and what’s considered “objectively reasonable” Thursday in Downtown Los Angeles.

The L.A. County Sheriff’s serve the Santa Clarita Valley as well as run the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic — oversight officials discussed Thursday about when and where deputies are able to use deadly force.

Department members shall use only that force which is objectively reasonable, according to officials.

“Objectively reasonable“ means that Department officials shall evaluate each situation requiring the use of force in light of the known circumstances, including, but not limited to, the severity of the crime at issue, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the member or others, and whether the suspect is actively resisting, in determining the necessity for force and the appropriate level of force, according to Department policy.

Deputies are authorized to use only that amount of force that is objectively reasonable to perform their duties, said officials

Unreasonable force is that force that is unnecessary or excessive given the totality of the circumstances presented to Department members involved in using force. Unreasonable force is prohibited.

The use of unreasonable force will subject Department members to discipline and/or prosecution, according to officials.

“Department members shall only use that level of force which is objectively reasonable, and force should be used as a last resort,” said the policy.

Sheriff’s advise deputies to de-escalate confrontations through tactical communication, warnings, and other common sense methods preventing the need to use force whenever reasonably possible.

When force must be used, deputies and staff shall endeavor to use restraint techniques when possible, and use only that level of force necessary for the situation, said officials

Deputies receive about 880 hours of training during their time in the Academy, about 186 hours of this training is dedicated to use of force, according to Sheriff’s.