Résumé
The proper investigation and review of use of force incidents, especially those involving deadly force, can have a significant impact on a police department’s legitimacy and relationship with its community. The assessment leading to this report was conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the CNA Corporation at the request of the Spokane (Washington) Police Department, examining the department’s policies and procedures to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations; analyzing a sample of use of force investigations from a five-year period to identify trends, strengths, and weaknesses; examining the role of the ombudsman in use of force investigations; and improving the department’s culture as it relates to the use of force to build trust with the community. The goal of the review was ultimately to improve the use of force processes in the Spokane Police Department.