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During 2023, we have also seen the country demanding more police accountability,
transparency, and re-allocating of resources towards rehabilitation.
In 2023, the frequency and type of force used to take suspects into custody increased by
33 from the previous year. The most frequent type of force used was Hands & Feet, kick
stops and spit socks 63, which includes soft/hard empty hand control, takedowns and
similarly approved defensive tactics. The second was Taser Deployments 31, Electronic
Control Device (ECD) in order to gain compliance
One officer discharged their department issued handgun accidentally while conducting to
defend citizens who were being attacked by a pit-bull canine. Another officer discharged
his firearm at suspects as they were ramming his police vehicle and attempting to run him
off the road.
Through training and a better understanding of Newport News Police Department's Use
of Force Policy, officers are more understanding on when an application of force or
“Taser” can or cannot be used to resolve certain conflicts.
Of the 89 Use of Force Reports submitted in 2022, the Internal Affairs Division
investigated or managed 2 investigation pertaining to an Officer Involved Shooting. The
Patrol Bureau investigated or managed 87 Use of Force Reports.
USE OF FORCE TRAINING & EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The Training Unit provides classroom and hands on training in reference to use of force
application in its basic and annual core training. Core training attendance is mandatory
for all sworn employees. Open Range allows officers to stay proficient with their firearms.
The Department’s basic and core training curriculums incorporate lessons learned from
actual incidents, and it uses these scenarios to teach officers how to more effectively
address non-lethal and potentially lethal confrontations. All new officers are taught in our
Basic Law Enforcement Academy and have over 100 instructional/practical hours in the
application of use of force and defensive tactics.
While reviewing the applications of force, a trend among the officers began to become
apparent. Officers are realizing an application of force is necessary however, some are
hesitating on using force, when the use of force was appropriate, thus pro-longing the
officer's exposure to violence. This has also been noticed by the Use of Force Review
Board. The Internal Affairs Division is currently working with the Training Section to
analyze this further.
In reference to equipment, the Police Department continues to address equipment needs
through training, inventory, line and staff inspections.Jump to an indexed page (9 of 9)