What must officers do if they engage in the use of force?

When officers engage in the use of force, it is crucial that they document the incident thoroughly as per departmental policies. This documentation serves several important purposes. First, it provides an official record of the event, including the circumstances leading up to the use of force, the actions taken by the officer, and any injuries sustained. This record is essential for accountability and can be used in subsequent investigations.

Moreover, thorough documentation helps ensure compliance with departmental policies and legal standards, as many agencies have specific protocols that outline the required details and format for reporting use of force. This can include specifics about the confrontation, the level of force used, and the justifications for its use. Accurate documentation is vital not only for the department's internal review processes but also for any legal proceedings that may arise from the incident.

While sharing details with colleagues, making a verbal report to supervisors, or filing a complaint against the subject might be useful actions within the scope of incident response, they do not fulfill the fundamental requirement of comprehensive documentation as required by departmental protocols. This documentation is key to maintaining transparency, upholding public trust, and ensuring that officers can provide an accurate account of their actions.