NCJ Number
83364
Date Published
1978
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Department policy and procedure for police use of deadly force and the handling of officer-involved shootings are discussed, with particular attention to the San Diego Police Department (Calif.).
Abstract
The police administrator should set policy on officer use of deadly force, and this policy should be communicated in officer training and explained in the context of specific incidents. The policy developed under Chief Ray Hoobler in San Diego provided that deadly force only be used to protect the life of an officer or any other person, to prevent serious injury when there is no other alternative, and to apprehend a violent person known to be armed and dangerous and who cannot be apprehended without risking loss of life or serious injury. The use of warning shots was forbidden. For 5 years under this policy, there was only one officer-involved shooting. The use of deadly force also includes the use of the baton and chokeholds. Chokeholds and baton beatings to the head have resulted in needless serious injury and even death. Where there is any doubt about the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting, prosecution of the officer should proceed, so as to not only make the resolution of the case public, but to protect the reputation of the innocent officer and preclude the possibility of subsequent prosecution under another administration.