UOF: Documentation and Review
We document and review all officer use of force. We classify use of force at a very low level, beginning with just a hold to physically move someone. Officers are required to document specific details every time that force is used, including the reason for the use of force. All use of force instances are reviewed by the Operations Commander to ensure policy compliance. If use of force is suspected to be non-compliant with policy, a formal investigation is conducted by a supervisor. If a policy violation is affirmed, disciplinary action follows. The level of discipline is commensurate with the seriousness of the violation, and may result in discipline up to termination. The use of force review process includes a review of police reports written by officers at the scene, all available photographs, and body-worn camera video and in-car camera video from officers at the scene. If use of force appears to be a criminal violation, an independent investigation is conducted by an outside agency and then forwarded to the Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney for a charging decision.
An early warning system notifies supervisors and command staff of any trends that may be developing with complaints, traffic collisions, and use of force.
UOF: Specialized Oversight Training
In November 2019, we brought in a police use of force expert with experience working with the Department of Justice to provide a week-long training for all of our supervisors and trainers. The class, “Use of Force: Transformative Practices for Trainers and Supervisors”, included the following topics:
· Correlation of Force – Proportionality
· Critical Analysis of Force
· De-Escalation & Use of Force
· Less Lethal Options
· Modernizing Police Training
· Police Legitimacy & Procedural Justice
· Principles of Supervision: Enforce the Rules
· Sergeants Investigation of Force
UOF: National Use-of-Force Data Collection
The Pullman Police Department has voluntarily provided use of force data to the FBI’s National Use-of-Force Data Collection program since January 2018. National Data Collection users can view use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement from a nationwide perspective.
UOF: Pullman PD Specific Research
Criminal Justice researchers from Washington State University have unlimited access to all Pullman Police officer body-worn camera (BWC) video footage for the purpose of research. Research involving over 4,600 hours of Pullman officers’ videos concluded that there was no evidence that Pullman police officers were more likely to use force, use force more quickly, at higher levels, or for longer durations in situations involving minority suspects.
UOF: Officer Involved Shootings
Lethal force encounters are investigated by a team of experience investigators independent of the Pullman Police Department with civilian oversight provided by two community representatives. Completed investigations are submitted to the Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney for evaluation of criminal culpability on the part of the involved officers.
A separate internal investigation is also conducted by Pullman PD to determine whether any policies were violated.