NCJ Number
220679
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Volume: 76 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2007 Pages: 18-23
Date Published
November 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper examines current practice in use-of-force documentation by police officers and the importance in educating and training officers in the proper documentation in use-of-force incidents.
Abstract
All of the facts and circumstances surrounding an incident prove important in the evaluation of a use-of-force incident. The officers involved must ensure that they document and bring to light every relevant detail. All agencies strive to prepare their personnel for the challenges they will face, both on the street and off. Departments must ensure that their officers receive proper training pertaining to this learnable skill. Frequently, use-of-force documentation excludes many of the details that could help explain and justify officers’ decisions. Too often, use-of-force reports only include information pertaining directly to the physical interaction with the suspect. Although those details are important, additional information about the events leading up to and following the actual encounter may help pain a clearer picture of why the officers took a particular course of action. While agencies require personnel to document their actions, many provide little or no guidance as to the type and quantity of information necessary. This article discusses use-of-force documentation through its varying purposes, the educating of officers in the proper documentation of use-of-force incidents, preparing the report through assessment, observations, actions and summary, and completing the report. 1 endnote