In this Today’s Tip, Gordon Graham emphasizes the importance of removing an officer from the scene as soon as it’s safe following a critical use of force incident — particularly when it results in serious injury or death. This step is vital not only for investigative integrity but also for the officer’s physical and psychological well-being.
Officers involved in such incidents may experience critical incident stress, which can lead to long-term effects if not addressed properly. Removing the officer allows departments to begin administering emotional and psychological first aid. Once a public safety statement is obtained, the officer should be paired with a peer companion — such as another officer, chaplain or counselor — who can offer comfort and support. A prompt medical evaluation is also essential, ideally at a different facility from the involved subject. Departments should also provide resources like Lexipol’s Critical Incident Checklist to help officers and their families navigate the recovery process.
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Questions for discussion:
- What procedures does your agency have in place to ensure the timely removal of an officer after a critical use of force?
- How can assigning a companion officer or chaplain support the involved officer’s mental and emotional recovery?
- What are the potential consequences of not recognizing or treating hidden injuries following a high-stress incident?
- How does your department support the families of officers after critical incidents, and what additional resources could be offered?
- How can leadership ensure consistency in post-incident response while still addressing the unique needs of each officer involved in a use-of-force incident?
