This core practice area includes developing and implementing use of force and related policies and procedures, including de-escalation, that address reporting, reviewing and investigating uses of force, and establishing accountability and monitoring procedures, such as after-action reviews, training programs, supervision, and transparency.

cropped view of female police officer standing guard

Resources Related to Use of Force

Visit the Knowledge Lab’s full resource index here.

  • Implementation Tools

  • Type of product

  • Audience

  • Reset

After Action Report | 2022

An After-Action Review of City Agencies’ Responses to Activities Directly Following George Floyd’s Death on May 25, 2020

  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Use of Force

Report | 2021

A Crisis of Trust: A National Policing Institute Report to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners on the Los Angeles Police Department Response to First Amendment Assemblies and Protests Occurring May 27 – June 7, 2020

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Use of Force

Guidebook/Tool | 2021

Assessing the Impact of Crisis Intervention Teams: A Review of Research

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests
  • Use of Force

Article | 2021

Preventing Harm and Saving Careers Through Intervention Training: Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE)

  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Use of Force
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Report | 2021

Examining the Impact of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) De-escalation Training for the Louisville Metro Police Department: Report 2 – Supplemental Findings

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Use of Force

Video | 2020

Understanding Police Culture – Don’t All Cops Think Alike?

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Use of Force
  • Officer Safety and Wellness
  • Recruitment and Retention
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Other | 2020

A Multi-Method Investigation of Officer Decision-Making and Force Used or Avoided in Arrest Situations: Tulsa, Oklahoma and Cincinnati, Ohio Police Use of Force Narrative Data Analysis Report

  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests
  • Use of Force

Guidebook/Tool | 2020

Traffic Safety Resource Guide

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests
  • Use of Force

The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various sources, including legal reviews, research, and practitioner and department-developed resources. These webpage modules are intended to be a guide for departments to use to improve their policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. This resource is intended to be dynamic, and the Knowledge Lab will continue to update and add to these modules to provide additional and current guidance for departments.

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