When must a Use of Force report be completed?

A Use of Force report must be completed when the level of force applied exceeds level 2. Levels of force are categorized to provide guidelines on how and when to use various force methods, including verbal commands, physical control techniques, and lethal or non-lethal options. When an enforcement action escalates beyond the second level, it indicates a significant intervention that warrants documentation to ensure accountability, provide training data, and maintain transparency in law enforcement actions.

Reporting at this juncture ensures that the use of force is reviewed appropriately and that the actions of personnel are scrutinized for compliance with agency policies and legal standards. This mechanism is essential for oversight and helps maintain trust in law enforcement practices. The other scenarios, such as using handcuffs or injury occurrences, may not universally require a report at lower levels of force, thus not aligning with the definitive criteria established for documentation. Similarly, verbal warnings alone do not constitute use of force that necessitates a report.