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.
The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear Barnes v. Felix, a case that could redefine how officers’ split-second decisions are judged
The Barnes v. Felix case brings a federal circuit split to the Supreme Court, challenging whether deadly force should be judged at the “moment of threat” or under a broader “totality of circumstances” approach
How do I get my all-male command staff to understand and support my rights as a pregnant officer?
The policy requires medical examiners to list all sources of information used in autopsy reports and to state whether any officers were present during the autopsy
Focusing on observed behavior will help protect both the individuals needing assistance and the officers responding to the situation
Objectives of the program include “removing distractions” and “providing a work schedule geared to the operational needs of the team”
“We are committed to reform and we have shown we can self-monitor,” APD Chief Harold Medina said
Officers will not be allowed to broadcast ruses over radio or social media, and will not be able to use them by “shocking the conscience”
Under the new protocols, officers must file incident reports regardless of offense or arrest and limit camera use at a victim’s request
New reforms include reviews of every incident where officers brandish a firearm, a policy that limits the use of “pretextual stops” and revised training intended to “limit the role of bias and prejudice”
A recruitment report will suggest initiating high school and college pipeline programs, as well as modernizing the recruitment process for faster onboarding
An 11-page letter from FOP members detail the alleged lack of support, officers and equipment hindering the department from properly responding to incidents
The chief said the officer broke policy by not waiting for a supervisor to arrive after the man refused to sign a traffic citation
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
“You can get a suspect another day, but you can’t get a life back,” Executive Director Chuck Wexler said
“A tired officer is an officer who’s not at peak performance and our jobs are extremely serious,” Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales said
HPD officers will no longer pursue drivers suspected of Class C offenses, including minor traffic violations and theft, according to the new policy
The “Reimagine Policing Plan” focuses less on incarceration and has a greater emphasis on community engagement
Strategies for law enforcement leaders to create an accepting workplace
The new response system will minimize police presence at protests and enforce de-escalation methods before increasing response, unless public safety is at risk
All off-site medical transports will require two Marion County deputies and murder suspects will wear red clothing to indicate their potential danger
Under the new Colorado law that took effect in July, police departments can only use no-knock warrants if there’s a credible threat to human life
How law enforcement professionals can make better decisions when it comes to engaging in, refraining from or terminating vehicle pursuits
Download this tip sheet to learn strategies for officers to enhance personal safety and security while using social media and guidance for officers with an active social media presence.
Download this explainer to learn about the “what, why, and how” of law enforcement accreditation, including an overview of the process, benefits of becoming accredited, costs, and more.
Download this tip sheet to identify five policy trends every law enforcement leader should be aware of.
Implement these steps to help ensure when your officers are asked how they are holding up after an OIS you’ll get an answer that’s better than “I’m okay.”
Any SWAT team still doing things the same way they did even 10 years ago should quickly reevaluate the viability of their tactics
Six steps to balancing efficiency and safety when multiple officers converge on a scene
How can an agency best protect employees from the risks associated with heat illness and death?
Complaints against our officers will never go away. However, don’t always perceive them negatively
It seems like every week we hear of a squad car being stolen somewhere in the U.S. Follow these steps to make sure it doesn’t happen to your cruiser
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