Side Notes
Officer Down
The State of California has three known probation peace officer killed in the line of duty. If you know of any other probation peace officer killed, please let us know.
In Memoriam
In Recognition
Golden Badge Foundation HONOREE Unsung Heros Award
Safety
SAFETY RESOURCES
The Physical Hazards of Police Work Revisited
Steven G. Brandl and Meghan S. Stroshine
Police Quarterly 2012 15: 262 originally published online 29 May 2012
This study examines the extent to which injuries to police officers have changed
from 1996-1998 to 2006-2008. Data were obtained from injury reports filed by
sworn officers of the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Police Department. Results indicated
that the frequency and rate (injury incidents per officer) of officer assaults, other
suspect-related injuries, and accidents declined during the study period. While the
specification of the reasons for these changes remains a topic for future research, the
decline in assaults and suspect-related injuries may well be a function of the increased
availability and more routine use of less lethal technology, enhanced training, and the
more common use of protective equipment...
An Incident-Level Profile of TASER Device Deployments in Arrest-Related Deaths
Michael D. White, Justin Ready, Courtney Riggs,
Donald M. Dawes, Andrew Hinz and Jeffrey D. Ho
Police Quarterly published online 28 August 2012
While a considerable body of research has investigated the physiological risks
associated with the TASER device, much less research attention has been devoted
to examining the nearly 400 police–citizen encounters in which a suspect has died
after the device was used. As a result, there are numerous unanswered questions
regarding officer, suspect, and incident-level characteristics of these arrest-related
deaths (ARDs), as well as the extent to which patterns in these characteristics may
have changed over time...
Geoffrey P. Alpert and Roger G. Dunham
Police Quarterly published online 28 August 2012
The authors report the policy and training recommendation derived from a comprehensive national study that examined conductive energy device (CED) use, resulting injuries, departmental policies and training, and reports from officers, trainers, and suspects, concerning CED incidents. The overall purpose of the national project was to examine CED use from a variety of methods....
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2012
I. Doubts raised about certain reaction-time training exercises
II. New free site offers case-by-case details of Taser court decisions
Eugene A. Paoline III, William Terrill and Jason R. Ingram
Police Quarterly 2012 15: 115 originally published online 23 April 2012
The widespread adoption of conducted energy devices (CEDs) across American
police departments over the last decade has been mired in public controversy. It is
generally accepted, from a police perspective, that CEDs are safer for officers who
can use the weapon at a greater distance, avoiding much of the harm associated with
close physical struggles with citizens. Research has generally supported the notion
that aggregate levels of officer injuries are reduced following the implementation
of CEDs. Unfortunately, multivariate examinations that, in varying degrees, have
attempted to compare CED applications to other forms of force (while controlling
for rival causal factors) have yet to produce the same consistent results as the preand
post-CED adoption studies...
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 04, 2012
I. What's your experience with controlling bleeding in the field? Take the survey.
II. Wanted: Policies requiring expert review of use-of-force videos
III. Insights from FSN readers
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2012
New! Force Science seeks answers to sudden vehicle stop attacks
Field research on a groundbreaking new study on vehicle stop safety has been completed by
the Force Science Institute, with specific pointers on how officers can better protect
themselves from sudden shooting attacks expected by the end of summer.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2012
Will Indiana's self-defense measure mean "open season" on cops?
You may have heard of the bill passed recently by the Indiana General Assembly that gives
citizens the right to physically resist--even with deadly force--any LEO they "reasonably
believe" is unlawfully entering their dwelling or is about to cause them injury.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 16, 2012
Hitting our inbox: Readers react to post-OIS recommendations
The recommendations regarding OIS investigations from police attorney John Hoag to the
DOJ's civil rights overseers, which we reported in Force Science News Transmission #199
[3/9/12], has stirred a spirited response from our readers.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 08, 2012
I. Police attorney offers "best practices" tips to civil rights overseers
II. New project seeks to "unleash respect" in police subculture
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2012
Vascular neck restraint: Reprieve for a bum-rapped technique
For the first time, a scientific research team has used modern technology to confirm just
how a vascular neck restraint works to produce unconsciousness. The findings emphatically
refute assertions that this valuable control technique is inherently dangerous and potentially
lethal.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2012
I. AELE analysis: When force against the mentally disturbed is justified
II. Correction & elaboration on prone positioning study report
III. Full excited delirium report now available free online
IV. How are you keeping the edge as you age? Trainer needs your help
V. University lecture series to honor FSI's Lewinski
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
January 30, 2012
I. A first for the Certification Course...and other training notes.
II. Is prone positioning really riskier for suspects? No, says new study
II. New expert report on excited delirium stresses 4-point protocol
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
January 15, 2012
In this issue:
I. New study confirms health/safety dangers of LEOs' poor sleep
II. AELE: Beware the legal risks of spreading gory scene photos
III. %$!# the pain: Latest research on the benefit of foul language
IV. Should civilian shooters get the same treatment as OIS survivors?
New video combats public myths about police shootings: View it online or on DVD
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 27, 2011
In a unique production assisted by the Force Science Institute, law enforcement authorities
in an Oregon county have created an online video that explains to civilians the realities of
officer-involved shootings and counters prevalent myths fostered by Hollywood fantasies.
Readers react to court's limitation on lawyer aid after an OIS
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2011
Two law enforcement agencies have begun field testing a new screening form that may
eventually lead to a better means for identifying people with severe mental illness who may
be a danger to themselves or others.
How much help is too much from a police attorney after an OIS?
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 02, 2011
Should an attorney be allowed to help an officer craft a report on a shooting or other major
use of force?
In a case that grew out of 2 controversial fatal shootings by police, an appeals court in
Canada has emphatically said "No."
New checklist being tested to help cops respond to people with mental illness
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
November 18, 2011
Two law enforcement agencies have begun field testing a new screening form that may
eventually lead to a better means for identifying people with severe mental illness who may
be a danger to themselves or others.
What's next after a shooting? Force Science-based trio share their
recommendations
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2011
After an OIS:
- What 12 questions should an officer answer at the scene?
- Besides wound treatment, what critical benefits does he or she gain from prompt
transport to a medical facility? - What does an agency gain by encouraging an officer to have independent legal counsel
- before a detailed statement is taken?
What question do cops most want answered when the smoke clears?
These are just a few of the procedural issues addressed late last month at the annual IACP
conference in Chicago during a fast-paced, 2-hour presentation called "Chief, I've Been in a
Shooting: What Happens Next?"
5 tips for officers in use-of-force interviews
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2011
In Force Science News #188 [Click here to read it], Dr. Ed Geiselman, an internationally
recognized authority on interviewing techniques, offered 5 critical reminders for investigators on how to elicit accurate and comprehensive statements from involved officers
and eyewitnesses in OISs and other use-of-force cases.
But what it you're an involved officer being questioned by an investigator who doesn't
understand or adhere to these "best practices" for fair and impartial interviewing? What can
you do to protect yourself from bias or ineptitude on the part of your questioner?
Overcoming the "Achilles heel" of use-of-force investigations
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2011
As an expert in interviewing skills, Dr. Ed Geiselman has seen the good, the bad, and the
ugly when it comes to officers being questioned by investigators after use-of-force events.
Recently he was asked to review transcripts and audio recordings of interviews in cases
where LEOs' jobs were on the line because of allegedly inappropriate force. In each he
concluded that poor interviewing techniques had hampered the officers in their efforts to
explain their actions adequately. One interview, he told Force Science News, was the worst
he'd come across in his 28 years of working with law enforcement.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2011
On the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 we stand with the
millions worldwide who pause not only to remember the horror of that day and the pain of
shocking loss, but to salute those who, even in the face of tremendous risk, selflessly
committed themselves to helping the helpless and to those who immediately stepped
forward in defense of our country. In the midst of chaos they stood as an inspiration to us
all. A decade later, we have not forgotten. We never will.
Cops not guilty of unreasonable force in mistaken killing of child hostage:
Appeals Court
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2011
An internationally publicized case of a tragic shooting in which Force Science
testimony was given has been decided by a California appellate court in favor of the
involved officers.
Controversial from the beginning, the headline-grabbing case concerned a tense
standoff between LAPD SWAT and a drug-deranged father who was holding his 19-
month-old daughter in his arm as a hostage and human shield. In a desperate
showdown, officers killed the offender in a fusillade of bullets--but also, inadvertently,
killed the child.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
August 13, 2011
A resounding clash between researchers has erupted over the question of whether
emergency room doctors should report suspected cases of excessive force by LEOs.
On one hand are American researchers--MDs and PhDs--who argue that in the
interest of "violence prevention" ER physicians should notify Internal Affairs
investigators whenever they see a patient whose injuries may be the result of "police
abuse."
Recent developments in post-OIS procedures: Tales of 3 cities
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
August, 2011
Recent developments in post-OIS procedures: Tales of 3 cities
1. Chicago officers win right to 24-hr. "grace period"
An arbitrator has ruled that Chicago officers involved in shootings can wait at least 24 hours before having to give a recorded statement to investigators from the municipal agency that reviews police shootings.
The decision resulted from a grievance filed by Chicago Lodge 7 of the Fraternal Order of Police against the city's Independent Police Review Authority. That civilian agency investigates all Chicago PD shootings, as well as complaints of officer misconduct, and makes recommendations for "appropriate disciplinary action" to the police superintendent if violations of departmental rules and regulations are found.
Experience speaks: Your thoughts on stemming the grim KIA tide
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
July 15, 2011
Just a head's up: The Force Science Certification Course scheduled for Dec. 5-9 in San Jose, CA is nearing capacity. Less than 10 seats remain. Click here for details on the course and instructions for registering, or visit www.forcescience.org/2011certification.pdf
In this edition:
I. Experience speaks: Yours thoughts on stemming the grim KIA tide
As police deaths mount, what can you do now to stay safe?
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
July 5, 2011
It's a bloody year for cops so far.
At the end of June, total duty-related fatalities in the U.S. are up 8% compared to the same time last year, according to preliminary figures from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Officer murders from gunfire are spiking an alarming 38% increase. If trends hold through the second half of the year, we could see the worst annual toll in a decade.
From Chuck Remsberg, Editor-in-Chief
June 17, 2011
In this edition:
I. "Current training may leave officers more vulnerable": Early highlights from forthcoming
FSI assessment project
II. New nat'l reports underscore Taser safety for cops, suspects alike
III. Survivors speak: A different view on police suicide
IV. Long working hours again tied to heart disease in latest study
V. Verbal Judo founder Dr. George Thompson dies at 69
VI. Additional clarification on reaction-time study
Self-Defense Pistol 101
By Richard Mann
American Rifleman
July 2011
Using a handgun to defend your life requires more than just familiarity with the firearm – it demands a concerted effort to practice the skills necessary to use it and its accessories under stress. Follow this former police trainer's five practical drils beforehand, and you'll be better prepared when a worst-case scenario occurs.. Read More (PDF/Scan)
Injuries to Officers and Suspects in Police Use-of-Force Cases: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation
Bruce Taylor and Daniel J. Woods
Police Quarterly 2010 13: 260
The Conducted Energy Device (CED) weapon holds the potential to reduce injuries
for officers/suspects. However, the dearth of research on CEDs makes it difficult to
make informed decisions about its deployment. We conducted a quasi experiment
to compare 4 years of data from seven law enforcement agencies (LEAs) with CED
deployment with six matched LEAs without CED deployment. Compared with non-
CED sites, CED sites had lower rates of officer injuries, suspect severe injuries, and
officers and suspects receiving injuries requiring medical attention. Our results suggest
that CEDs can be effective in helping minimize physical struggles and resulting injuries
in use-of-force cases...
Telling the Truth: About Police Shootings
By Charles Remsberg
The Police Marksman
November / December 2004
There is an illusion that we see everything and see it clearly. Actually we have good vision only within five to seven degrees of the center of the eye. Complicating this, most shootings occur when our vision is poorest – at night or in lowlight surroundings.
Time to START Shooting? Time to STOP Shooting?
The Tempe Study
By Bill Lewinski, Ph.D. and Dr. Bill Hudson
The Police Marksman
September / October 2003
The concepts addressed in this study are critical for officers to understand, especially those who are consulted by prosecuting attorneys or go before grand juries as firearms experts...
Biomechanics of Lethal Force Encounters - Officer Movements
By Bill Lewinski, Ph.D.
The Police Marksman
November / December 2002
It is my intent to investigate the dynamics and biomechanics (the mechanics of biological and muscular activity) that occur in officer-involved shootings in a series of research studies. The first of the series started with measuring subject behavior in shooting situations...
Stress Reaction: Related to Lethal Force Encounters
By Bill Lewinski, Ph.D.
The Police Marksman
May/June 2002
The purpose of this article is to help officers who have been or may become involved in a lethal force encounter to understand what might happen and why...
What You Need to Tell the Prosecutor in Your Next Use-of-Force Case
By Joe Wegg
The Police Marksman
May/June 2002
It seems we're bombarded daily with headlines of another police-involved shooting. I'd bet that you've all talked with your fellow officers about the consequences of getting into a shooting. The consequences of all police-involved shootings are tremendous – it doesn't take your standard police sensitivity class to understand why...
By Bill Lewinski, Ph.D.
The Police Marksman
November / December 2000
We have always known that generally action beats reaction. And, we've been able to demonstrate this in a variety of civilian and law enforcement situations. Since the invention of the shot timer, we've known how quickly officers can react in shooting situations...
By Bill Lewinski, Ph.D.
The Police Marksman
September / October 1999
...We know that in many police shooting, officers will reenact the details of their shooting in their minds over and over again. In their reports and their testimony afterward, they will swear (under oath) that the suspect, while turning toward them, was pointing what they perceived to be a gun in the direction..
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