Law Enforcement Policies
This Policies section highlights how law enforcement policy plays out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear Barnes v. Felix, a case that could redefine how officers’ split-second decisions are judged
The Barnes v. Felix case brings a federal circuit split to the Supreme Court, challenging whether deadly force should be judged at the “moment of threat” or under a broader “totality of circumstances” approach
How do I get my all-male command staff to understand and support my rights as a pregnant officer?
The Anchorage PD’s review recommended using more “team” responses, outfitting officers with more effective less-lethal weapons and increasing the use of drones
The Center for Immigration Studies estimated that “the number of illegal and inadmissible migrants living in Massachusetts” was about 355,000
Voters passed Proposition U, which set the “unprecedented” minimum staffing goal, and Proposition S, which could allow citizens to sue the city if the goal is not met
The City Council approved a new three-year contract with the Sterling Heights Police union that also includes double-digit pay increases and a boost in medical benefits
The Commission on Police Practices suggested the agency should prohibit pursuits over property crime “unless other aggravation factors such as armed resistance are present”
“We understand change can be difficult, but we believe it’s important to embrace new traditions that foster camaraderie and individuality,” Plano PD stated
The Spokane Police Department’s policy manual previously made an allowance for officers to take improvised action to respond to unexpected or abrupt threats
California approved measures to make shoplifting a felony on the second offense and to increase penalties for certain drug-related crimes
Amid ballot box burning and machete-wielding intimidators, law enforcement agencies across the nation affirm they are ready to ensure voters’ safety
While the report deals broadly with “medical-behavioral emergencies,” much of the guidance can be employed during any incident where police may need to restrain a person
“It’s very hard to get cops now because they’re not given any backup … they have like an eighth of a second to make a decision that’s going to change their life,” former President Donald Trump said
Officers unable to return to full duty after 251 workdays will be given a choice to apply for a reclassification, take a leave of absence, seek medical retirement or resign
Closely following performance can prevent misconduct and improve agency effectiveness
Learn how leadership, organizational behavior and mission-critical tools build competence, confidence and trust in public safety agencies
Failure to plan is planning to fail, and that’s glaringly evident when large-scale civil unrest breaks out
The body began developing the new rules after the passage of a 2021 law that expanded its disciplinary powers; a July draft of the overhaul was protested by LE unions
Officer Toni McBride appealed an earlier finding by the Police Commission that found her first four shots in the incident were justified, but the last two rounds were not
Capturing video evidence is key to effective policing, but without proper privacy measures, it can expose sensitive information, jeopardize investigations and erode public trust
Retired Pittsburgh Police Chief Robert McNeilly, Jr., has written an operator’s manual for developing and managing effective police forces on any scale
The transition from idealistic rookie to cynical veteran often includes withdrawing from friendships and activities outside of law enforcement
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Nye County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department said they will not release booking photos because of the decision
Violating the new policy can result in termination and an investigation by the state board that issues and revokes officer certifications
The Dayton FOP lodge holds that more than half of officers are being paid less than what was agreed upon; the city maintains there is no violation of contract
The audit found that the commission “lacks full transparency and accountability” in its process and criteria for reviewing officer misconduct complaints
While it’s easy to rely on established case law, officers and legal professionals must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach
The tool allows access to officers’ training, education and license issue date records; personal information and information on undercover officers remains confidential
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