Lethal Force Investigations and Followup SOG 103.11 (SGT/2015)

Question 1

Who investigates lethal force and serious injury use by officers?

Answer 1

lethal force and serious injury by officers will be investigated by CIS

Question 2

Involved officer responsibilities?

Answer 2

• render first aid
• request medical aid
• notify communications and supervisor
• remain at the scene unless injured or if told to leave by a ranking officer due to violent crowd
• non-involved host officer will accompany involved officer
• protect weapon for exam
• prepare a detailed RMS report

Question 3

Unintended discharges?

Answer 3

unintentional discharge with no injuries and not in public only requires an IDC

Question 4

Supervisor responsibilities after a lethal force/serious injury incident?

Answer 4

• notify Watch Commander
• respond to scene and assume management duties
• arrange for in-custody medical transport of injured suspect with officers
• ensure arrangements are made to receive and take charge of the officer’s involved weapon (out of public view, host officer will maintain visual of weapon until it is collected)
• ensure a replacement weapon is given to officer

Question 5

IA role and investigation procedures?

Answer 5

• IA will conduct an administrative investigation
• investigation procedures:
• initial interview of officer should occur as soon as practicable
• investigators shall read officer the Miranda Warning
• officers may cooperate with the criminal investigation, but are under no legal requirement to
• all related reports are due as soon as practical, but within 72 hours
• IA will accompany officers to hospital for blood and urine test to determine alcohol/CS

Question 6

Media requests/contact?

Answer 6

• all investigative info pertinent to officer involved shooting or other use of force is protected from disclosure under the Sunshine Law
• all releases shall come from the Chief or PAO

Question 7

All involved employees must…?

Answer 7

-all employees involved will attend a mandatory counseling session with a qualified psychologist

Question 8

Primary involved officer?

Answer 8

• when officer kills or causes serious injury they will be placed on admin leave
• officer shall not discuss the incident with anyone except prosecutors, investigators, private attorney, clergy, immediate family, or the Critical Incident Response Team
• emotional debriefing with psychologist within 5 days of incident