De-Escalation & Use of Force

Police de-escalation and the judicious use of force represent a delicate balance in law enforcement, aimed at diffusing potentially volatile situations while prioritizing the safety of both officers and civilians. De-escalation techniques encompass a range of strategies, including communication, active listening, and the use of time and space to defuse tense encounters. By employing empathy and understanding, officers can often steer situations away from confrontation, mitigating the need for forceful interventions.   

However, there are scenarios where the use of force becomes necessary to maintain public safety or protect lives. In such instances, officers are trained to apply force proportionally, using only the amount necessary to gain control of the situation. This may involve verbal commands, physical restraint techniques, or, as a last resort, the use of non-lethal or lethal weapons. Nonetheless, the decision to use force must be tempered by principles of accountability, ensuring that it is deployed lawfully and with respect for human rights. 

Effective policing requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes de-escalation as a primary strategy, backed by rigorous training, clear policies, and ongoing evaluation. Investing in de-escalation training equips officers with the skills to navigate complex interactions and minimize the need for forceful interventions, ultimately fostering trust and collaboration with communities. Moreover, fostering dialogue between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve can help identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance public safety while upholding individual rights and dignity.  

REPORTING 

Umatilla Police Department requires all use of force, and shows of force, to be documented. The process allows supervisors to review and document concerns with any needed or requested follow-up. Use of force items tracked include, but are not limited to: 

1. Strikes or focused blows 
2. Forcible take downs 
3. Discharging oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray 
4. Discharging conducted electric weapons (Taser) 
5. Intentional striking of a person with an object (baton) 
6. Deployment of tire deflation devices 
7. Police canine bites 
8. Vehicle pursuits 
9. Display of a firearm 
10. Discharge of a firearm 
11. Any other use of physical force that is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury 

OVERSIGHT 

The importance of oversight in the use of force by law enforcement cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical mechanism for ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties. Umatilla Police Department entrusts the Police Committee. an independent group of community members, in reviewing and providing feedback for all use of force incidents. The Police Committee plays a pivotal role in several key areas: 

1. Accountability: Oversight mechanisms, whether through internal review boards, independent commissions, or civil oversight bodies, hold law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions. By reviewing use of force incidents, investigating complaints and monitoring compliance with policies and procedures, oversight helps identify any instances of misconduct of abuse of authority. Holding officers accountable for their actions promotes trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies. 
2. Transparency: Oversight promotes transparency by providing mechanisms for the public to access information about the use of force by law enforcement officers. Transparency fosters trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve by allowing for greater scrutiny of police actions and ensuring that the public is informed about how force is used, under what circumstances, and with what outcomes. Transparent oversight processes also enable stakeholders to understand the challenges and complexities involved in policing, leading to more informed discussions and policy decisions.  
3. Civil Liberties Protection: Effective oversight helps safeguard civil liberties by ensuring that the use of force by law enforcement is lawful, proportional, and in accordance with constitutional principles and human rights standards. Oversight bodies can review policies and procedures related to the use of force, assess their alignment with legal standards and best practices, and recommend reforms or revisions as needed to better protect individuals’ rights and dignity. By upholding civil liberties, oversight contributes to a fair and just society where all members are treated with respect and dignity under the law.  
4. Continuous Improvement: Oversight fosters a culture of continuous improvement within law enforcement agencies by identifying areas for enhancement in training, policy development, and officer performance. By reviewing use of force incidents and analyzing trends and patterns, oversight bodies can identify systemic issues or gaps in training and recommend proactive measures to address them. This iterative process of learning and adaptation helps enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of law enforcement and ensures that officers are better equipped to respond to dynamic and evolving challenges in their community.   

The Umatilla Police Department truly appreciates the efforts and collaboration of the Police Committee for promoting accountability, transparency, civil liberties protection, and continuous improvement.