13-03 - Considerations for Deputy-Involved Shootings (1st in a Series of 3)

                                                                      Considerations for Deputy-Involved Shootings

(1st in a Series of 3)

This newsletter addresses training factors related to deputy-involved shootings. The decisions made during a deputy-involved shooting are usually made in a split-second.  Deputies should train prior to the incident to have as much knowledge and experience to draw from.

A recent study was conducted by the Department of Justice regarding officer-involved shootings by members of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  This study evaluated every standard practice used prior, during, and after officer-involved shootings (use of equipment, communication, planning, command/control, use of force, et cetera).  The study concluded the highest frequency of tactical errors was related to communications.

The goal of this newsletter is to assist deputies in tactical preparedness.  It focuses on the “before” aspect of communication between partners and planning a response for deputy-involved shootings.  The objective of preparedness is ultimately to reduce your exposure and risk by having a cohesive pre-planned response to a wide range of scenarios.  The topics below should be part of core discussion and common knowledge between partners:

Knowledge of your partners’ abilities:

- Experience level                                                  - Are they bilingual

- Level of interpersonal skills                                 - Familiarity with the area

- Fitness level                                                         - Specialized training/abilities

Knowledge of the resources regularly on-duty in your area: 

-Shortage or additional personnel                       

-Specialized units available in the area, i.e. Aero, OSS, COPS, Narco, et cetera

Knowledge of your available equipment:

-Radios (switching frequencies)                           -Radio discipline and proper use

-Back up weapon, shotgun, AR-15                      -Extra ammunition for all weapons

-Less lethal weapons and training                       -Use of first aid/trauma kit

-Familiarity of all MDC functions                         

Knowledge of critical facilities in the area and routes to them:

-Trauma Centers/ E.R. and alternate hospitals

-Locations for possible helicopter medical-evacuation

Knowledge of contingency plans:

-Discussion of what to do for extended assistance requests and mutual aid familiarity

-Discussion regarding scenarios when fire/paramedics have an extended response time

-Discussion of what to do in the event of a communication failure such as non-working radios or in a self-dispatch mode

In considering “what if” scenarios, deputies should familiarize themselves with each other and have an expectation of how their partners may react and respond to deputy-involved shootings.

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.