Use of Force Report Form
v2.3
Purpose. This form records every use of force by a member so that it can be reviewed for lawfulness, necessity and proportionality.
1.When to use this form
A member must complete this form before going off duty whenever they use any force beyond compliant handcuffing, including empty hand tactics, restraint, oleoresin capsicum spray, baton, conducted energy device or firearm presentation. Each member who used force must complete a separate form. The form must be linked to the incident record in the Incident Log.
2.Describing the incident
Describe what you saw, heard and believed at the time, in the order it happened. State what the person was doing that created the risk, what you said and did to de-escalate, and why you decided force was necessary. Use plain language and do not use conclusions in place of facts.
3.Injuries and medical attention
Record any injury to any person, including yourself, and any medical attention given or offered. Photographs of injuries must be taken with consent and attached as exhibits. Where the person refused medical attention, record the refusal and who witnessed it.
4.Evidence
List the body worn camera footage, CCTV, witnesses and any other evidence of the incident. Footage must be tagged and retained under the Information Management and Privacy Policy. Do not edit or delete any recording.
5.Supervisor review
The reviewing supervisor must view the footage, read the incident record and speak with the member before completing the review section. The supervisor will record whether the use of force was consistent with policy and any training or follow-up required. Reviews must be completed within fourteen days.
- Footage viewed
- Incident record checked
- Member debriefed
- Finding recorded