Champaign Police Propose Changes to Use of Force Policy In Response to Community Comments

At the Council Study Session on November 10, 2009, the Champaign City Council discussed the Police Use of Force Policy. After hearing comments from the Council and citizens regarding some concerns with the policy, the Champaign Police Department is proposing changes in the following areas:

• Adding language that better explains when it is legally reasonable for an officer to use deadly force.

• Emphasizing language about the restrictions in the use of deadly force when a suspect is resisting or escaping.

• Clarifying that Champaign Police do not use Conducted Energy Weapons (tasers), but may call in other agencies to deploy them, and providing guidance on when tasers may be requested.

• Reinserting language found in the previous policy concerning when an officer may display a firearm.

• Adding language to state that the Annual Use of Force Report will be reviewed by both the City Council and the Human Relations Commission.

In the coming weeks, the Department will work on these revisions and present them to the City Manager and the City Attorney for review. “I believe these policy revisions will accomplish the intent of the Council and citizen recommendations, as well as provide improved guidance to officers concerning use of force,” says Chief R.T. Finney.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 8:54 am and is filed under General News. Commenting is currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.