What is the goal of use of force incident reporting?

The goal of use of force incident reporting is to provide context for the use of force and maintain accountability. This type of reporting is essential in evaluating the circumstances surrounding the use of force, enabling a thorough understanding of the events that transpired. Accurate reporting allows for a transparent review process, fostering accountability among law enforcement officers and building trust with the community.

By documenting the specifics of each incident—such as the situation, the actions taken by the officers, and the outcomes—law enforcement agencies can assess whether the force used was appropriate and in accordance with established policies and training. This process contributes to ongoing training and policy development, helping to prevent future incidents of excessive force and ensuring that officers are adequately equipped to handle such situations.

Other considerations, like imposing penalties or justifying actions, may be part of the broader context but do not capture the primary intent and utility of these reports. Routine encounters are typically not covered under use of force reporting unless they escalate to a level necessitating the documentation of force application.