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Results for border patrol, use of force

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Author: Police Executive Research Forum

Title: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Use of Force Review: Cases and Policies

Summary: The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) was commissioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct a review of the Use of Force by CBP officers and agents. This review included all CBP use of deadly force events from January 2010 through October 2012 and CBP use of force policies, equipment, tactics, and training. Sources of information were government-furnished information, equipment and materials and CBP policy documents. PERF reviewed Customs and Border Protection Use of Force Policies and 67 case files related to Customs and Border Protection agents' use of deadly force. Case files were sorted in general categories to include: firearm response to subjects armed with firearms; firearm response to rocks thrown on land; firearm response to rocks thrown on water; firearms use against vehicles; and other firearm cases. The case reviews raise a number of concerns, especially with regard to shots fired at vehicles and shots fired at subjects throwing rocks and other objects at agents. Improvements are also recommended in initial reporting, investigation, incident review, weapons, personal protective equipment, and training. Recommendations for changes in policies flow from these case reviews. Two policy and practice areas especially need significant change. First, officers/agents should be prohibited from shooting at vehicles unless vehicle occupants are attempting to use deadly force--other than the vehicle--against the agent. Training and tactics should focus on avoiding positions that put agents in the path of a vehicle and getting out of the way of moving vehicles. Second, officers/agents should be prohibited from using deadly force against subjects throwing objects not capable of causing serious physical injury or death to them. Officers/agents should be trained to specific situations and scenarios that involve subjects throwing such objects. The training should emphasize pre-deployment strategies, the use of cover and concealment, maintaining safe distances, equipping vehicles and boats with protective cages and/or screening, de-escalation strategies, and where reasonable the use of less-lethal devices. Because these changes are significant departures from current practice CBP will need to craft an implementation strategy for re-orientation and training before new policies go into effect. Consideration should be give to assembling an expert panel to interact with members of CBP from all levels of the organization for discussion about the transition to the new policies and practices. There are several areas where CBP is engaged in best policing practices. Firearms qualification occurs four times a year. According to policy, exemptions are limited. This practice is critical given the environment in which CBP officers/agents work. In addition, CBP is to be commended for implementing a new incident mapping software program. This system allows examination of use of force and other incidents at both a highly detailed level and at a more macro level. This system will provide graphic support for leaders to spot trends and make strategic changes. CBP also has produced a very useful quick-reference guide "Documenting the Use of Force." Policy changes restricting the use of deadly force against vehicles and rock throwers should be incorporated into the guide.

Details: Washington, DC: Police Executive Research Forum, 2013. 21p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 11. 2014 at http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PERFReport.pdf

Year: 2013

Country: United States

URL: http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PERFReport.pdf

Shelf Number: 132436

Keywords:
Border Patrol, Use of Force
Police Policies and Practices
Police Use of Force
Police Weapons