13-06 - Considerations for Deputy-Involved Shootings (3rd in a Series of 3)

                                                                         Considerations for Deputy-Involved Shootings

(3rd in a Series of 3)

This newsletter is a continuation in the series and will be referencing the same recent study regarding officer-involved shootings by members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  This part of the series focuses on the “after” aspect of communications which take place in the event of a deputy-involved shooting.

The goal of this newsletter is to assist deputies in tactical communication after incidents that result in a deputy-involved shooting.  The topics below should be part of the discussion topics and should apply in a “hit” or “no-hit” shooting:

Immediately following a shooting:

- Inform your partners when the threat(s) have been neutralized.

- Inquiry as to outstanding suspects and/or threats?

- Communicating the condition of you, your partners, and the suspect(s) to SCC.

- If the suspect(s) have access to weapons (within reach), advise assisting deputy(ies) regarding the existing threat.

- If a suspect surrenders, communicate to partners and suspect proper commands to effect an arrest.  

- Request medical attention for your partner(s), bystanders, and the suspect(s).

- Communicate the need to maintain the safety and integrity of the scene to assisting ..units.

- Coordinate additional units responding.

- Advise Code 4 when appropriate.

Communicate concerns for the crime scene and evidence preservation:

- Communicate the need to setup and maintain containment and crime scene integrity.

- Ensure a Deputy is designated to start and maintain a Major Incident Log.

- Communicate the importance of preserving the condition of involved personnel.

- Preserve the appearance of involved personnel immediately following the shooting/incident (i.e. Deputy in a fight may be injured, have torn or soiled uniform, equipment dropped on the ground).

Types of communication to avoid at a Deputy Involved Shooting

- Remember that radio transmissions are consistently monitored by the public and the ..media.

- Personal electronic devices could be discoverable if used in the course of your duties.

- Involved personnel should avoid speaking to each other about the incident prior to being interviewed by investigators.

Communicate your notifications:

- Make proper immediate notifications within the department, i.e. Unit Commander, SHB.

The overall goal is to ensure the safety for all by improving communications after a deputy-involved shooting.  By coordinating resources and relaying information, we ultimately organize a dynamic situation into one that is static, and manageable. The goal also includes securing the scene for personnel to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.

REFERENCES:

3-10/300.00 DEPUTY-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS IN GENERAL

3-10/130.00 ACTIVATION OF FORCE/SHOOTING RESPONSE TEAMS

4-22/027.00 SHOTS FIRED AT DEPUTY ON OR OFF DUTY

5-09/470.05 HOMICIDE AND DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING SCENE CONTAINMENT

CITATION:

Stewart, James K., George Fachner, Denise Rodriguez King, and Steve Richman. Collaborative Reform Process: A Review of Officer-Involved Shootings in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Office of the Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice, CNA Analysis & Solutions, 2012.