RECOMMENDATION 25: Each use of force should be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether de-escalation techniques were considered or implemented prior to the application of force, and/or why they were not. RECOMMENDATION 26: The Department should incorporate its current policies for supervisory review, including detailed evidence gathering by supervisors where applicable, into this process. RECOMMENDATION 27: The Department should create formal mechanisms for documenting and tracking any action items that emerge from this process, in order to ensure appropriate follow-through.
Complaints and Allegations of Misconduct One of the hallmarks of a police agency’s effectiveness and community standing is its responsiveness to allegations of officer misconduct. There are several components that contribute to the substance of this responsiveness. They include the following: •
Does the agency facilitate the acceptance of complaints from the public through clear communication and an inclusive intake system?
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Does the agency investigate allegations of misconduct in thorough, fair, and appropriate ways?
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Does the agency uphold its own standards apart from external prompting or allegations?
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Does the agency view its discipline process as a source of potentially useful feedback that extends beyond individual accountability determinations?
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Does the agency promote trust through transparency and notification regarding its processes and the outcome of complaints?
As discussed below, we found the Department’s process to be sound in many of the above respects, while noting occasional concerns and areas for potential improvement.
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