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

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  • Reset

Report, Research Brief | 2008

COPS Evaluation Brief No.3: Creating a Culture of Integrity

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

Report | 2002

Model Statutes Project

  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests
  • Use of Force
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Guidebook/Tool

Use of Force – Part II

  • Use of Force
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Webpage

National Use-of-Force Data Collection

  • Use of Force
  • Public Transparency

Guidebook/Tool, Training

Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT): A Training Guide for Defusing Critical Incidents

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Article

Product Feature: Less-Lethal Weapons Require Training to Be Effective Force Options

  • Use of Force
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Article

Use of Deadly Force: Multiple Explanations, No Simple Solutions

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • 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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