Law Enforcement Policies
This Policies section highlights how law enforcement policy plays out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
Focusing on observed behavior will help protect both the individuals needing assistance and the officers responding to the situation
Think and consult before you prohibit or arrest
We must ensure the people who are using the equipment are trained, authorized and certified to do so
Sgt. Kenneth Becker told Jesse Bright it was against a new law to film police officers
Some of the most important U.S. Supreme Court cases for law enforcement are either misunderstood or entirely unknown by the average American citizen
The lawsuit alleges the Milwaukee PD’s stop-and-frisk program is citywide but is concentrated in areas largely populated by minorities
From privacy to cybersecurity, law enforcement agencies must have their plans in place
A police department is liable for social media policy that violates officers’ First Amendment rights
Officers with specialized training will be able to refer anyone having a mental health or substance abuse crisis to a hospital or treatment facility rather than arrest them
Jim and Doug discuss the second pillar of Obama’s 21st Century Policing task force report
This is the first time de-escalation has been included in the report
Two former officers were disciplined after criticizing the department on Facebook
You will need to do your due diligence before finalizing your policy
Jim and Doug discuss no-tattoo policies
Today’s law enforcement and civic leaders would be wise to heed the lesson of the Newhall massacre
Agencies should be very deliberate in choosing the words and phrases used in their policy manual
Body cameras are pervasive and so are the policies on how to use them. Use these tips to make sure your policy is on the right track.
Agencies that adopt overly restrictive provisions in their use of force polices somehow believe this will protect them from liability, when in reality it may lead to increased liability
As with any official document that represents the department, thoroughly review every aspect of the P&P manual at your new agency, and ensure it is updated and tailored to your department
Managing conflict in your department can be a thankless task, and if not carefully approached, it can lead to feelings of favoritism, or even serve to reinforce a “us versus them” attitude
Your procedure manual is the who, what, where, and how — policy is the why
Police professionals know about the consequences of even small head wounds — none of which are pleasant — but Border Patrol agents may know best about a rock’s impact with the head
By advocating that the two events be combined into a single occurrence, Lieutenant Todd Larson of the Scottsdale (Ariz.) PD has brought a new protocol to his agency that satisfies administrators, prosecutors, investigators, and officers alike
The person’s fundamental desire and Constitutional right to be left alone must be balanced against an officer’s responsibility and mission to interdict crime
Unlawful officer behavior undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the department
While Scott v. Harris sides with police efforts to apprehend criminals that flee, it should not give agencies carte blanche authority to engage in high-speed pursuits
MOST POPULAR
- DOJ: Portland police slipping further from compliance with settlement
- Fourth Circuit is first to rule that livestreaming police is protected speech, but questions remain about officer safety
- Bill would bar Mass. cops from firing at fleeing vehicles, limit use of tear gas, rubber bullets
- US House revives, passes policing overhaul bill
- Roundtable: How will policy, training and police response change after the Chauvin verdict?