Summary
Law enforcement leaders are advocating for significant reforms in how police use physical force, particularly in cases involving individuals in medical, mental health, or drug-related crises. The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has released a comprehensive report highlighting the need for improved training, adherence to established safety protocols, and a shift in perspective that views affected individuals as patients rather than suspects.
The push for reform comes in response to a decade-long investigation by the Associated Press, which documented over 1,000 fatalities linked to police restraint methods. The PERF’s guidelines emphasize the importance of de-escalation tactics, better coordination with medical responders, and the dangers of improper restraint techniques, particularly the prone position. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has underscored the need for immediate implementation of these guidelines, asserting that they can save lives and enhance safety for both officers and civilians. The report also addresses systemic issues, such as racial disparities in police encounters, and calls for a re-evaluation of how officers respond to individuals in crisis, urging departments to treat these situations with the seriousness and care they warrant.
Key Recommendations from the PERF Report
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De-escalation Tactics: Officers should employ strategies to diffuse potentially volatile situations, particularly when dealing with individuals experiencing medical or mental health emergencies.
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Proper Restraint Techniques: The report stresses the importance of avoiding the prone position during restraint and recommends rolling individuals onto their sides as soon as possible to prevent respiratory issues.
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Monitoring Health: At least one officer should be designated to monitor the health of restrained individuals to ensure their safety.
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Coordination with Medical Responders: Police departments are encouraged to establish protocols with medical teams to ensure appropriate care is provided without undue influence from law enforcement.
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Avoiding Sedation Requests: Officers should refrain from influencing medical personnel regarding the use of sedatives, as this can lead to dangerous outcomes, especially in restraint situations.
Context and Impact
The PERF’s guidelines are particularly relevant in light of ongoing discussions about police reform following high-profile incidents of police violence, including the death of George Floyd. The report aims to address “consistent blind spots” in police training that have led to preventable deaths and seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding individuals in crisis. By framing these individuals as patients rather than suspects, the guidelines advocate for a more compassionate and effective approach to policing that prioritizes health and safety for all involved.
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