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Implement Use of Force Data Management Software

Jason Louis • Apr 15, 2024

Should your agency start to Implement Use of Force Data Management Software?

What are the five most common types use of force on your agency?

Which calls for service have the most probability to end in a Taser usage versus a take down?

What time of day do these incidents typically occur and in what patrol areas?

Unless you're using data management software to track your agency's use of force data, you don't really know the answers to these questions. Force accountability software provides your agency with professional records management and statistical tracking. It provides your Managers and a use of force review unit with instant access to statistical trends and allows you to adjust training and tactics to what is factually happening in the field. And finally, it will help you increase transparency with the public.

There are many different vendors for use of force accountability software including LEFTA Systems and I.A. Pro's Blue Teams. No matter what system you choose to use, the important thing is that you analyze the data it generates and adjust your training and tactics accordingly. For example, if takedowns are your most common use of force but your defensive tactics program doesn't emphasize training in takedowns, you should consider adjusting your program to meet your officer's needs. If a specific style of de-escalation is more effective than others, that tactic should be reinforced in training and in the field.

Even if your agency can't afford a dedicated software system, at a minimum someone in your agency will be an expert in the use of Microsoft Excel. Have them set up a spreadsheet that keeps track of various data related to use of force incidents such as time of day, area of the city, force used, what de-escalation attempts were made, whether or not the use of force was successful, and so on. Each use of force incident would need to be hand entered but the intelligence you gather from that spreadsheet could help save your agency from a lawsuit, injuries or even save a life.

The Briefing Room has a short training video available on this exact scenario so agency supervisors can easily train every officer in your agency on this essential topic.

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90-Second Training Videos Your Supervisors Use During Briefing or Roll Call To Develop High-Performing Teams of Officers.
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Are Takedowns Always a Low-Level Use of Force?

By Jason Louis • 09 May, 2024

A Police Officer is working patrol and is about to arrest a man for a minor violation. The man passively refuses to comply with the officers arrest by refusing to follow directives. The Police Officer and their partner decided to take him down to the ground to put him into handcuffs, but one of the officers held his arms behind his back and tripped him forward onto his face, causing long-term physical injuries. Does the fact that this is just a takedown make it an objectively reasonable use of force?

Leave Your Body Cameras Turned On

By Jason Louis • 05 May, 2024

Scott v. Harris is a United States Supreme Court Case about using deadly force to stop a fleeing vehicle. But, an often overlooked part of Scott v Harris is the fact that it was the first time video was used by the court to determine if qualified immunity or summary judgment should be granted. In its finding of that case, the court said, “When opposing parties tell two different stories, one of which is blatantly contradicted by the record, so that no reasonable jury could believe it, a court should not adopt that version of the facts for purposes of ruling on a motion for summary judgment.” That finding has found its way into many cases since it was made. In the case of Coble v. City of White House, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said, “Nothing in the Scott analysis suggests that it should be restricted to cases involving videotapes.” They noted that the Scott ruling was about “the record,” not just videos.

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By Jason Louis • 03 May, 2024

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