Recommendation 23

MPD should require commanding officers to address the investigative process taken by the supervisor, including whether it was appropriate, timely, and sufficient, in addition to whether the use of force was in compliance. 

Current:

All use of force reports have a tracking record which reflects the various levels of review. Use of Force Reports have an extensive approval process as these reports are reviewed by several layers of supervision and this is clearly articulated in SOP 460.035(B). The use of force report is tracked to the IAD for final review by a supervisor who is certified by the State of Wisconsin as an instructor of Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT). Use of force reports may be sent back to the authoring supervisor for corrections or additional investigation if there are omissions or deficiencies in the investigative process.

In addition, SOP 460.35(G)(1 and 2) requires the member’s commanding officer to review the AIM system Use of Force report and enter a recommendation under “Incident Tracking.” When the commanding officer determines the use of force is in compliance, these reports are forwarded through “Incident Tracking” and general information “Status” directly to the appropriate supervisor of the Internal Affairs Division. The Use of Force SOP further states if the review finds the member’s use of force was not in compliance, training is needed, or if there are serious injuries requiring admission to a hospital or if death occurs, the commanding officer shall enter a recommendation under “Incident Tracking”. These reports shall be forwarded through “Incident Tracking” and general information “Status” directly to their respective bureau commander. Commanding officers may at any other time notify their bureau commander, and forward the Use of Force report to their bureau commander.