Bratton Aims to Stay Step Ahead of Watchdogs
On the same day the inspector general for the police issued a report detailing deficiencies in how force is defined and tracked by the New York Police Department, Commissioner William J. Bratton announced on Thursday that many of the changes called for were already being addressed.

Photo: NYPD Facebook
On the same day the inspector general for the police issued a report detailing deficiencies in how force is defined and tracked by the New York Police Department, Commissioner William J. Bratton announced on Thursday that many of the changes called for were already being addressed, reports the New York Times.
It was the latest effort by Mr. Bratton to stay one step ahead of the numerous oversight bodies he has repeatedly said he has had to contend with since returning to New York City for a second stint as commissioner. Before a federal monitor could outline a court-ordered plan for the use of body cameras, the department rolled out a pilot project. At meetings with City Council members, who are considering a variety of police reform proposals this year, Mr. Bratton has testified that, in most cases, police officials were responding to the concerns.
The response announced on Thursday was perhaps the most drastic: ushering in reforms to better track and investigate the use of force, steps that other cities have, in many cases, adopted only after being forced to do so by federal consent decrees.
Mr. Bratton said that reconstructing the rules on use of force and promising a systematic review of each instance of officers’ use of force will help restore trust in the police, particularly among minorities, who have historically borne the brunt of aggressive tactics.
Under the new tracking system, to be put in place early next year, every officer who uses force will have to fill out a Force Incident Report. The new form also includes a section for recording any force used against an officer.
More Patrol

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →