13-05 - Considerations for Deputy-Involved Shootings (2nd in a Series of 3)

                                                                       Considerations for Deputy-Involved Shootings

(2nd 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 “during” 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 during incidents that can result in a deputy-involved shooting.  The topics below should be part of core discussions and should become common knowledge between partners:

Maintain communication between partners/assisting units during a response. Obtain additional information from informants to relay to responding units.

- What is the threat?                                                               

- How many suspects?

- Any weapons involved and the type of weapons?                    

- Existing hazardous locations (freeway on/off ramps, high traffic area)

- Nearby locations of concern (schools, churches, parks, crowds, business parks, etc.)

- Consider an alternate plan for a response to a common location (malls, schools) 

- Time permitting, assign shooters (sidearm, shotgun, AR-15) and less lethal (stun bag, pepperball, Arwen, etc.)

Communications between deputies and suspect(s):

Communication should only come from one deputy (if possible):

- Make LOUD/CLEAR/SIMPLE commands         - Does the suspect understand English?

- Does the suspect appear intoxicated?               - Does the suspect appear mentally ill?

- Is the suspect responding to commands?

- Is the suspect hearing impaired?

- Is the suspect suicidal, distraught, or mentally ill?  

* Remember, the suspect may not understand or be receptive to your communication.

Potential resources to initiate or improve communication with suspects:

- Translator (if appropriate)                                      - MET Team Personnel

- Crisis Negotiation Team                                        - PA in Radio Car and Aero 

Communications to citizens and bystanders in the area:

Try to improve the safety of the scene and delegate if needed:

-Inform the public to stay away from the area

-Restrict the area from pedestrian traffic

-Use other resources for traffic control (e.g., volunteers, city barricades, PCOs, CSOs)

Communicate a plan and contingency plan as resources arrive to the scene:

- Request a supervisor to respond to the scene

- Delegate to set up a Command Post (CP)

- Contain the area and reduce foot/vehicle traffic to improve backdrop conditions

- Assign an arrest team in case suspect surrenders

- Assisting units handle logistical aspects for the scene/CP

Communication during a shooting:

-Consider conveying to partners the use of cover/concealment when available   

-Broadcast the threat immediately along with your location via radio

-Assisting units should keep the frequency clear to allow involved personnel to put out pertinent information (location of suspect, suspect running, suspect down, officer hit, description, weapons involved, 902R request)

-Continuously assess the threat before/during/after any use of force

-Continuously update SCC with conditions on scene as appropriate

The overall goal is to increase the safety for all by improving communications during deputy-involved shootings.  By coordinating resources and relaying information, we ultimately reduce unnecessary risk to all involved parties.

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.