Community Survey:

We are working to create a better City of Oakland website. Lend your voice by taking our 5-minute survey.

Level 4 Use of Force (UOF)

Level 4 UOF represents the least severe level of force (1 being highest). Read below to learn more about types of Level 4 UOF as well as about OPD UOF definitions and policies.

UOF Definitions and Policies
Learn more about how OPD defines UOF

Posted: August 31st, 2018 3:44 PM

Last Updated: January 20th, 2021 7:59 PM

View the data

Level 4 Uses of Force include the following:

  • Any intentional pointing of a firearm at a person
  • Any weaponless defense technique applied to a vulnerable area, excluding strikes, including hair grab, pressure to mastoid or jaw line, and shoulder muscle grab
  • Any of the following weaponless defense techniques: Control hold, escort (elbow), twist lock, arm-bar, bent-wrist
  • Any on-duty firearm discharge to dispatch an injured animal
  • Any Level 3 Use of Force reduced to a Level 4 Use of Force
  • Any police canine deployment without contact