What is required when documenting use-of-force incidents?

• A. Only list the forces used.
• B. Wait until the investigation ends to write.
• C. Personal opinions about the officer's behavior.
• D. Objective description of actions and timing, forces used, reasonable justification, alternatives tried, injuries, responders, medical and investigative actions, supervisor notification.

Answer: (D)

Documenting use-of-force incidents requires an objective, comprehensive narrative that records the sequence of actions, the timing, the forces used, the justification for using force, the alternatives that were attempted, any injuries, the responders involved, medical actions taken, investigative steps, and supervisor notification. This level of detail ensures the report is factual, verifiable, and usable for accountability, training, and potential legal review. By sticking to what happened and why it was considered reasonable, the record supports review without speculation and shows how the incident was managed from start to finish, including any medical care and follow-up investigations. Focusing only on the forces used omits critical context; waiting until the investigation ends delays important information and can leave gaps in the record; and injecting personal opinions would contaminate the official account.