I present the following to the collective, especially those of you involved in training and Use of Force policy issues. I'd like to know if anyone else out there has a similar policy, or similar language in their policy.
In response the numerous cases in the Federal Courts over the years clarifying that Pointing a Firearm at a suspect is a police Use of Force, our Police Commission decided several years ago to make Pointing a Firearm a "Reportable Use of Force" in our policy, which means a Supervisory Investigation and written report, specific documentation in the actual police report, inclusion in our Use of Force stats, and a point in our EIS (Early Intervention System). Regardless of how anyone felt about it, this was the policy, everyone understood it, and it actually helped us break the practice of Pointing too many guns at people we shouldn't be Pointing guns at, and properly utilize Low Ready and Alternative Ready positions.
Recently, at the behest of our Department of Police Accountability, the Commission revised the language in policy, which now states that "Low Ready" IS Pointing a Firearm at someone, and is therefore Reportable. There is also a new requirement that officers report every time they draw or exhibit their Firearm on duty, and their supervisor must fill out an evaluation form for each instance.
Of note that these policy changes were made without ever consulting the Academy or Range. I have already written a 6 page document laying out what I see as the obvious and inevitable problems arising from this policy. I know what the problems with it are, and I dont need advice such as "Get the hell out of there!". First, I'm gone in 14 months or less, and that doesn't help the kids I'm leaving behind. I would be interested to know if any other agencies have policies that specifically make the Low Ready position a Reportable Use of Force, and what effects that has had on operations and training.
The document I've prepared encourages the policymakers to revisit the language they've inserted, in response to the information I've presented. I have virtually no hope they will listen, because frankly the people involved are not good faith actors with good intentions. But I'll be able to sleep at night knowing I didn't just throw up my hands.