Open Source Methods to Collect Information on Lethal Police Use of Force Investigations

• In Event: Police-Related Deaths

Abstract

Abstract: Recent media and public scrutiny of law enforcement homicides have raised questions about the extent to which these incidents occur in the US and the processes used to investigate them. Compared to the various estimates of the number of law enforcement homicides in the US, the number of these incidents that lead to criminal charges or legal action against a law enforcement agency is relatively low. However, any research on the outcomes of police use of force investigations should also include information on how investigations are conducted and the factors that are considered in those investigations. Furthermore, transparent and independent investigations of police use of force could support accountability and public trust in law enforcement. This presentation will explore the utility of open source methods to examine the process and outcomes of lethal police use of force investigations.

Authors

• Justin Craig Dawson, RTI International

• Duren Banks, RTI International

• Paul Ruddle, RTI International