HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2001 ICPD Reports/MemosFILED
2001 SEP 13 PM 3: 43
CITY CLERK
IOWA CITY, IOWA
Department Memorandum 01-46
DATE: September 13, 2001
TO: Chief Winkelhake
All Commanders \
FROM: Captain Widmera
SUBJECT: March - June Use of Force Review
The "Use of Force Review Committee met on September 13, 2001. It was composed of
the following personnel;
Captain Widmer
Sgt. Brotherton
Sgt. Hurd
The review of the submitted reports for March (19 incidents-21 reports), April (18
incidents-31 reports), May (12 incidents-17 reports) and June (13 incidents-21 reports)
revealed no policy or training concerns. Of the 62 Use of Force incidents, 17 were
euthinizing injured/sick animals. This indicates use of force only had to be used an
average of 11.25 times each month. Factoring in the calls for service (23,635) during this
period, use of force was used .002% of the time.
One training issue came up in that officers are reminded they must clear their decision with
their supervisor when they want to enter a building to do a search without a warrant.
One administrative issue noted during the review has been noted before. It was obvious
that supervisors are catching that "Type of Incident" is not being properly recorded by
officers. This is revealed by incident type changes noted on many forms, the correct
incident being in a different handwriting. As a reminder to officers, "Type of Incident"
refers to the original call for service. A traffic stop where a suspect strikes an officer and
is subsequently charged with assault should be listed as a "traffic stop". We are trying to
track the type of calls where force ends up being used. In summary, the quality of reports
continues to improve. Good jobjo officers and supervisors alike.
Copy: City Manager, PCRB