New York General Order M-396 is a set of regulations that govern the use of force by law enforcement officers in the state of New York. It sets out the minimum requirements that must be followed when a law enforcement officer uses physical, chemical, or less than lethal force, including the use of firearms. The order also provides guidance for officers on how to document these incidents. There are two main types of New York General Order M-396: the original M-396, which was issued in 2015, and the updated M-396-A, which was issued in 2020. Both orders aim to ensure that law enforcement officers use force only when necessary and in accordance with the law.