• A clear and concise policy and procedure to address use-of-force incidents
• A policy identifying the primary investigative agency investigating the force incident
• An administrative/critical incident leave policy
• A weapons replacement policy or process
• Speak with your county attorney regarding the potential for a conflict of interest
• Determine how and when your agency will notify an officer’s family when death or serious injury occurs
• Identify mental health and wellness resources to support officers involved in a force incident

What officers should know before a force incident happens

Understanding the force investigation process will help your personnel feel confident that an objective and unbiased investigation will occur, taking into account both the officer’s perception before and during the incident along with the tangible evidence associated with the incident. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) offers training presentations to educate officers about what to expect from a BCA investigation, including crime scene response, interviews, agency-involved weapons, media and medical considerations, including answering the following questions:

• What investigative steps will be taken and in what order?
• What are the officers’ rights? 
• What legal resources are available to officers?
• What are the differences between administrative and criminal investigations?
• What resources are available to preserve officer mental health and wellness following a force incident?

For use-of-force training presentations at your agency, please call 651-793-7000.

Force incident checklist

• Remove involved officers from the scene
• Secure the scene and protect evidence from inclement weather
• If possible, identify and secure all witnesses
• Ensure all clothing and evidence at the hospital is preserved. Request that hospital personnel draw a blood sample prior to transfusions or medications.
• Preserve officer’s clothing and equipment
• Do not manipulate or clear weapons
• Begin preparation of a search warrant if necessary
• Refrain from issuing a news release or making statements to the media until it can be determined what information should be made public
• Notify officer’s family

Resources

BCA 24-hour phone line

651-793-7000

Mental health services

CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management)

Statewide Services call 651-793-7000 for regional contact information.