Members of Lexington’s Planning and Public Safety Committee got an explanation of police policy on use of force this week. The detailed presentation came from Police Commander Roger Holland, who heads the training section.
Among the long list of regulations was proper take down methods. Holland said prone positioning of subjects should be short in duration. “So, what does this look like for an officer whose out on a situation or a subject may be placed in a prone position. Officers are limited, must limit their prone position and get them in a recovered position. That’s been part of our training for quite a long time. And obviously remove body weight is a requirement,” said Holland.
Holland said law enforcement agencies look to the Kentucky Supreme Court when it comes to determining the legal standards for police use of force. Later in the presentation Holland noted the pointing of a weapon as well as discharging a gun must both be documented. Council Member James Brown said that is appropriate. “I mean even though it may not have been discharged, but the fact that it was pointed at an individual, that’s force. That can be pretty intimidating and scary and traumatizing. So, I think making that a requirement to report that is appropriate,” noted Brown.
Holland said one single response doesn’t fit all incidents. The commander added annual training on these issue is required of officers. For those just beginning policing, Lexington requires 32 weeks of training, which is more than many other jurisdictions.
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