Investigating Force

Question 1

What is the purpose of the reporting and investigating force policy?

Answer 1

The purpose of this policy is to provide officers and their supervisors with guidelines for reporting and investigating use of force incidents.

Question 2

Critical Firearm Discharge

Answer 2

When an officer discharges a firearm.

Question 3

Deadly force

Answer 3

Any physical force that can reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical injury.

Question 4

Force

Answer 4

Any physical strike or instrumental contact with a person; any intentional attempted physical strike or instrumental contact that does not take effect; or any significant physical contact that restricts the movement of a person.

Question 5

Force

Answer 5

Includes pointing of a firearm at a person, any critical firearm discharge, use of chemical agents, use of impact weapons, use of an electronic control weapon (ECW), taking a subject to the ground, and any physical contact that includes control techniques.

Question 6

What does this term not include?

Answer 6

The term does not include escorting or handcuffing a person with minimal or no resistance.

Question 7

Level 1 Use of force

Answer 7

A firearm is intentionally pointed at a person or an ECW laser paints a person;
b. A weaponless defense technique is applied to a vulnerable area, excluding strikes
c. A weaponless defense technique control hold is applied:

Question 8

Level 2

Answer 8

1. Chemical agent or oleoresin capsicum (OC)
2. The use of an ECW
3. Any impact weapon
4. A weaponless defense technique
5. An on-duty firearm discharge at an animal
6. Any strike to the head
7. Use of impact weapons
8. police canine bites
9. use of force which results in injuries

Question 9

Level 3

Answer 9

1. force resulting in death
2. critical firearm discharge
3. force which creates risk of causing death
4. choke hold or neck restraint
5. intentional impact weapon strike to the head
6. use of force investigation that is elevated to a Level 3 by a Sergeant or other supervisory personnel

Question 10

When notified of a Level 1 use of force, the shift supervisor shall do the following

Answer 10

1) Respond to the scene and conduct an in-person evaluation of the officer and subject. i
2) Determine that the incident is in fact a level 1 use of force and communicate this to the reporting officer.
3) Review all evidence of the use of force to include all readily available and relevant video footage of the use of force incident.
4) Obtain and review the completed Use of Force Report form and incident report from each officer prior to the end of the tour of duty;
5) Evaluate the basis for the use of force and determine whether the officer’s actions were within Department policies;
6) Fill out and approve in RMS the Supervisor’s section of the Use of Force Report; and
7) Forward a copy of the signed completed Use of Force Report form and incident report to the Watch Commander or division Lieutenant prior to the end of the tour of duty.

Question 11

When notified of a Level 2 use of force, the supervisor shall

Answer 11

1) Immediately respond to and secure the scene;
2) Conduct an in-person evaluation of the officer for injuries and insure that appropriate medical attention is provided;
3) Visibly inspect the subject(s) for injury, interview the subject for complaints of pain, and ensure that the subject receives needed medical attention;
4) Document, as necessary, the scene of the incident;
5) Determine that the incident is in fact a level 2 use of force and communicate this to the reporting officer.
6) Photograph or have photographed all claimed or visible injuries, and all areas where the officer reports striking the subject. Photographs of the subject shall be taken even when there are no signs of injury;
7) Interview any physician or ambulance personnel concerning the injuries sustained and their consistency with uses of force reported;
8) Collect or cause to be collected all evidence of use of force;
9) Identify and interview witnesses other than officers as appropriate;
10) Review all evidence of the use of force to include all readily available and relevant video footage of the use of force incident. This includes all relevant Body Worn Camera footage, if such footage exists.
11) Obtain, review, and evaluate the completed Use of Force Report form and incident reports from each officer prior to the end of the tour of duty;
12) Summarize his or her investigation and findings; and
13) Forward a copy of the signed and completed Use of Force Report form and investigative reports to the appropriate commanding officer prior to the end of the tour of duty.

Question 12

In cases involving a Level 3 or a serious use of force as defined by this policy, the supervisor shall

Answer 12

Immediately respond to and secure the scene;
2) Ensure that officers and citizens receive appropriate medical attention;
3) Determine that the incident is in fact a level 3 use of force and communicate this to the reporting officer
4) Notification shall be made up the chain to the Chief of Police or his/her designee. The Chief of Police, or his/her designee, will decide as to whether the incident will be investigated in the field (for less serious incidents), or an Internal Affairs Division, Major Crimes Division, and/or Division of Criminal Justice investigation will be initiated.

Question 13

Supervisors at any level forwarding a Use of Force Reports up the chain of command are ______________________________________ to inform their direct supervisor of a report awaiting their review.

Answer 13

REQUIRED to use the “notify” function in RMS