Documenting the use of force
Facts and circumstances are not limited to the written report. What are the other factors to be considered?
• crime scene processing
• evidence collection
• photographs
• audio and video recordings
• witness and subject statements as well as videos recorded
• medical records
what is Precursory acts?
events that led up to the encounter with the subject, including how the officer arrived at the scene as well as what observations helped the officer assess the situation.
When describing the type of force used officers need to be _______ ________regarding the type of force applied in given situations.
very clear
What is specific fact patterns?
When writing a “use of force” report, you must document all the facts and circumstances “at the moment” of the particular use of force.
When is prom?
May 4
What is objective reasonableness?
objective reasonableness for the use of force must be determined by balancing the type and force used against the totality of the facts and circumstances confronting the officer at the time the decision was made to use force.
What is subject behavior?
Officers should describe the specific orders, commands, or requests that they gave to the subject.
For post-custody actions what other actions should be described?(3)
• safe and effective adjustment of handcuffs
• double locking the handcuffs (reduces the possibility of inflicting injury
from handcuffs over-tightening)
• obtaining first-aid or medical treatment for the subject and/or themselves
when reasonably safe to do so
• damage to their clothing (e.g., uniforms) and equipment (obtain
photographic evidence as well)
• collection of evidence (what, where, and by whom)
What is the first step when writing down specific fact patterns?
set the stage
When is our go kart field trip?
May 10
For objective reasonableness it is crucial for the officer to do what?
• Report/statement adequately
• Document those facts and circumstances
What factors do officers need to describe between the subject and themselves that justify the use of force?(3)
• number of officers/subjects
• height and weight of each subject
• gender and age of each subject
• strength and fighting skills of each subject
• physical condition of each subject
• clothing (e.g., uniform with equipment vs. casual attire)
• stance of each subject (describe)
Are witness statements made immediately after the confrontation or later on?
immediately after
what is the second step of Specific fact patterns?
describe each person involved
When do we graduate?
June 4
What is Inadequate documentation?
exposes the officer and the agency to potential civil liability arising from the incident.
What are other specific characteristics regarding the identification of a subject?(3)
• prior contact
• obvious prison or gang tattoos
• specific gang attire
• access to potential weapons such as knives, boots, rings, or guns
Should witnesses be interviewed at a restaurant or at the scene of the confrontation?
at the scene of confrontation
what is the third step of Specific fact patterns?
document a chronological step-by-step detailed account of the force transaction.
When was our senior picnic?
April 17
What is level of detail?
To ensure that relevant information is included in their reports, officers need to be aware of the degree of detail required.
What details do officers need to write down regarding the environment where the confrontation took place?(2)
• physical environment where the contact took place (e.g., high crime area,etc.)
• subject’s potential to gain assistance or aid from friends or associates
Use of an electronic ________ ______, in car camera, or _____camera to capture the statements of witnesses and subjects
recording device
body camera
What is the link?
In every use of force transaction, give an accurate account of who did what within the circumstances that were apparent to you when you made the decision to use force.
What is the theme of prom?
masquerade ball