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.
Following a Ninth Circuit decision on use of force, one sheriff’s new policy has sparked debate over legal interpretation, responder safety and the future of crisis response models
The Omaha Police Department has adopted an approach where its interviewing investigators do not watch video evidence before interviewing officers involved in serious uses of force
In Martinez v. City of Rosenberg, the court upheld officers’ actions after they arrested a man for walking on the wrong side of the road
A former sheriff and a volunteer firefighter created a bill that makes harassing first responders engaged in their lawful duty a first-degree misdemeanor
The law, House Bill 495, requires Gov. Mike Kehoe to appoint a transition director to oversee the state takeover’s implementation; that period will need to end by July 1, 2026
Three officers who were fired and charged for using a TASER in an arrest were later reinstated; a court ruled that the mayor who publicized their firings was acting within her role
Aurora Chief Todd Chamberlain said he hopes the policy change will disrupt the cycle of crime tied to stolen vehicles, such as carjackings and related offenses
The DOJ released a report following a two-year investigation into the Worcester Police Department, which stated that officers engaged in acts of excessive force without justification
Mayors Michelle Wu, Brandon Johnson, Mike Johnston and Eric Adams are set to appear in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Former Bellingham first responders alleged that a 2021 vaccine mandate violated their rights and caused emotional distress through a “scorched-earth” enforcement policy
The 8th Circuit ruled in U.S. v. Hamber that an officer lawfully extended a stop to frisk a sleeping driver in a high-crime area
Officers face split-second decisions, but politics and misinformation are shaping the rules they must follow — often with dangerous consequences
Get insights into how the duty to intervene is transforming law enforcement through leadership, accountability and legal frameworks
After thousands of former police firearms were linked to crimes, the ATF warns law enforcement to reconsider resale policies. Should departments mandate destruction instead?
SDPD Chief Scott Wahl said that the department “believes imposing these restrictions could negatively impact public safety”
The goal isn’t to give female officers an advantage — it’s about leveling the playing field
The change follows the Scott v. Smith decision, in which a court ruled a fatal use of force in a mental health response unjustified and questioned if LEOs should have been involved
“I want to stress that this program is about illegal migrants who have committed crimes,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “This isn’t about raids.”
The 287(g) program allows ICE to deputize local officers to perform immigration enforcement duties, including identifying and processing noncitizens in custody for potential removal
The department, which reiterated its commitment not to “enforce immigration violations” expanded its list of charges it would report to ICE upon arrest
While officers and law enforcement supporters have embraced the image as a source of pride, others see the blue line flag as a banner of defiance
Learn how proactive strategies can help your agency stay ahead of legislative, technological and operational changes this year
Policies help foster accountability in public safety and in our personal lives; effective policies foster success in all areas of life
Put those policies out there and make them easy to access; we really have nothing to hide
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Barnes v. Felix could help resolve whether use of force should be judged by the moment of threat doctrine or the totality of the circumstances
The most relevant and important human factors that every investigator, administrator and trainer should understand when conducting use-of-force investigations and reviews
Administrators who prohibit their officers from firing at or from a vehicle are tying their hands from possible life-saving solutions
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Oakland’s policy as an “extreme outlier” that undermines public safety and crime prevention
The video led to a frisk and concealed firearm discovery, sparking debate over reasonable suspicion and the legality of the search
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