What might be a consequence of failing to document a use of force incident?

Failing to document a use of force incident can lead to a significant loss of accountability and create challenges in future investigations. Proper documentation serves multiple essential functions: it provides a clear record of what occurred during the incident, helps to ensure that law enforcement officers adhere to established protocols, and allows for later reviews by supervisors and external bodies. Without thorough documentation, it becomes difficult to assess whether the use of force was justified or in line with department policies, which can undermine public trust and hinder any subsequent inquiries or evaluations of the incident. This lack of accountability may also encourage unprofessional conduct, as officers might believe they can act without consequence when incidents are not recorded. Overall, documentation is crucial to uphold standards of conduct and maintain integrity within policing practices.