A press release put out by 11 law enforcement organizations announces that the groups have worked together to create a National Consensus Policy on Use of Force:
As leading law enforcement leadership and labor organizations, we have long been dedicated to advancing the profession of law enforcement and the practice of policing.
As part of our shared commitment to advancing the law enforcement profession, while upholding our commitment and duty to serve the public and preserve all human life, we convened as a group to examine the issue of use of force by law enforcement officers. We discussed current trends on the topic, and worked to develop areas of consensus to provide a sample policy to law enforcement agencies as they seek to enhance existing guidelines for the use of de-escalation techniques, less-lethal force, and deadly force.
The extensive work of the participating organizations began in April 2016, and resulted in a National Consensus Policy on Use of Force. The National Consensus Policy on Use of Force is a collaborative effort among 11 leading law enforcement leadership and labor organizations in the United States. The organizations include:
- Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies
- Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
- Fraternal Order of Police
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association
- International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
- National Association of Police Organizations
- National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives
- National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
- National Tactical Officers Association
This consensus policy takes into account and reflects the broad views and experience of the field - ranging from a line officer to an executive. The policy adopted by these organizations reflects the best thinking of all consensus organizations and is solely intended to serve as a template for law enforcement agencies to compare and enhance their existing policies.
While the work of the consensus organizations continues, the participating groups felt the urgency to release this policy as soon as possible, as many law enforcement agencies are currently reviewing or developing their own use-of-force policies. The 11 groups will continue to provide further guidance to the field by releasing a consensus policy discussion paper in the near future. The consensus policy discussion paper will provide additional information regarding the elements found in the consensus policy, as well as the rationale for the policy directives related to de-escalation and the use of less-lethal and deadly force.
Our organizations look forward to continuing to work together, so we can further support the profession and those who serve, as well as maintain the utmost respect for the sanctity of all lives.
http://files.policemag.com/documents/national-consensus-policy-on-use-of-force.pdf
