Use of Force

JSS continues to explore and to document digital evidence management integration of BWC footage for use in law enforcement operations, including investigations. This effort is informed by and supports the work of Category 3 grantees.

The Lab facilitated a discussion on Use of Force practices, featuring a presentation from FCPD on their current review processes. This session provided valuable insights into the policies, accountability mechanisms, and review procedures implemented by agencies nationwide.

Second virtual meeting of the Steering Committee was hosted on September 10, 2024. During this meeting the Knowledge Lab renewed vision was discussed, and feedback on this renewed vision was received.

The Knowledge Lab coordinated and assisted the Cleveland Police Department in a multi-day peer-to-peer site visit to the Baltimore Police Department.

A technical assistance team was established to assess FCPD on their policies and processes related to use of force accountability. The assessment process consisted of compiling findings from a review of relevant research and resources, collecting and reviewing relevant FCFD policies, SOPs, and other written documentation, interviewing key personnel from across the agency, and observing key meetings and mock meetings.

Fairfax:
- 2 kickoff meetings - chief and internal - Aug 16 and Sept 24
-Bi-weekly meetings
-2 meetings – mockups of their work - Nov 18 and Dec 4

On 1/8/25, the National Policing Institute hosted a convening of national law enforcement stakeholder organizations to discuss guidance for the certification of de-escalation training programs. In total, twelve participants from nine national law enforcement organizations attended the convening and provided their perspectives on critical content for de-escalation training, standards for training dose and delivery, and the scalability of standards. Insights shared by convening participants will directly inform the development of national standards for de-escalation training.

IIR is recognized for recruiting and retaining the very best SMEs and instructors, ensuring an ongoing infusion of new talent, and employing an internal vetting process for all contractors. IIR will continue to identify, vet, and utilize new instructors, as needed, on an ongoing basis to ensure that relevant experience, diversity, and a range of expertise are available to the program. SMEs will be utilized to support curricula development, instructional efforts, and providing needed resources in support of this program.

During this reporting period, there were no peer-to-peer technical assistance requests received or recommended by BJA. For cost savings, virtual peer exchanges may also be considered as online virtual platforms have been integrated into IIR’s core operations.

The CenTF website includes task force-related TTA offerings, both on-site and online, and a wealth of field-related resources. The CenTF website continues to be maintained and monitored by the IIR team.

During the reporting period, 58 inquiries were submitted and responded to via the CenTF website, 311 new users registered for the training, and 1,408 certificates of completion were earned across four online courses: