Sheboygan Falls Police Department Use Of Force Reporting And Review Policy.pdf

I. PURPOSE AND POLICY
This policy establishes a process for the Sheboygan Falls Police Department to review the use of force by its employees. The review process shall be in addition to any other review or investigation conducted by outside entities.

Any use of force by a department member shall be documented promptly, completely, and accurately in an incident report. The department may require additional reports for training, analysis, equipment recommendations, and related purposes.

II. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. Officers will prepare a written report anytime they:
1. Use a Control Alternative (compliance hold, O.C., ECD, passive countermeasure) other than an escort hold.
2. Use a Protective Alternative (active countermeasures, incapacitating techniques, and baton).
3. Use Deadly Force.
4. Discharge a firearm, except during training or destroying an injured or sick animal.
5. Point a firearm or ECD at another person.
6. Witness any of the above types of force being used against another person.
B. Officers will also write a report anytime their actions result in, or are alleged to have resulted in, injury or death of another person.

III. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Officers:
1. Will prepare a written report describing the actions of the person that necessitated the use of force, the reasons why the officer used force, the level of resistance encountered, as well as any complaints of injury, medical treatment received, or the refusal of medical treatment.
2. Will complete the department Use of Force Report and submit it to their Lieutenant.

B. Supervisors:
1. Will immediately respond to the scene to assist in stabilizing the scene and ensuring that medical treatment is being provided to any injured subjects.
2. Will notify the Deputy Chief of Police and Chief of Police if the force used resulted in serious injury or death of another person.
3. Will review all Use of Force Incident Reports.

IV. REMOVAL FROM DUTY
A. Any officer that uses a level of force that results in great bodily harm or death to another person will be placed on Administrative Leave.
B. The officer will remain on Administrative Leave while the incident is investigated.
C. The department will take steps to ensure and maintain the medical and psychological health of the officer during the Administrative Leave.
D. Once the investigation is completed, the officer will be notified of the results. If the force used is determined to be justified, the officer, if medically and psychologically able, will be returned to full duty status.

V. USE OF FORCE REVIEW
A. The Deputy Chief of Police, in conjunction with department DAAT instructors, will review all incident reports of the officer(s) that used force against a person.
B. The Deputy Chief's review will aim to determine if the force used was justified and in accordance with the department's Use of Force Policy.
C. The Deputy Chief will forward the findings of the review to the Chief of Police.
D. The Chief will review reports, initiate disciplinary or criminal action if needed, disseminate reports to relevant personnel and agencies, and establish his/her own conclusions and recommendations.