What is the main focus during a use of force review?

The main focus during a use of force review is to evaluate whether the level of force used was appropriate and justified. This process involves analyzing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the actions of the individuals involved, the environment, and the threat level faced by the officer at the time.

In a use of force review, it is critical to determine if the response was proportional to the situation. The legal and ethical standards guiding law enforcement require that any force applied must be necessary to achieve a lawful objective and that it should align with established policies and training. This evaluation helps in understanding if the response was appropriate based on the specific context of the encounter, ensuring accountability and safety for both officers and civilians.

Identify the other options might offer relevant considerations during a review, such as assessing the adherence to procedures or the outcomes regarding injuries, but these aspects are secondary to the immediate concern of justifying the actual application of force used. This focus on evaluating the appropriateness of force is foundational to improving practices, training, and community trust in law enforcement agencies.