Quality Matters: Enhancing Use of Force Data, Processes, and Outcomes: A Case Study

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The ability to use force is a unique power vested in police organizations in democratic societies. It also strains police-community relationships. In recent years, more police organizations have been subjected to external oversight through consent decrees or other stipulated judgments. However, it remains unclear whether the use of force data reported by agencies accurately captures these use of force incidents. Without additional resources and time, it is difficult to measure the use of force adequately, organizationally address potential issues regarding the use of force, and difficult to assess potential changes in the use of force that correspond to the external oversight mechanisms that are put in place. This panel uses the Bakersfield, California, police department, which entered a stipulated judgment in 2021, as a case study for examining the problems with the use of force data, the process the organization has implemented to improve the quality of the data, and correct deficiencies noted during use of force incidents, and a preliminary assessment of how the use of force patterns have changed as a result of the Stipulated Judgment.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 38. Police Organization and Training

Individual Presentations

• The Operational Challenges with Use of Force Data - Christopher Bagby, Bakersfield Police Department

• Developing and Refining a Quality Assurance Process for Use of Force Data - Nancy Fava, Bakersfield Police Department; Stephannie Garcia, Bakersfield Police Department

• Creating Independent Review Processes to Assess Use of Force Incidents - Stephannie Garcia, Bakersfield Police Department; Nancy Fava, Bakersfield Police Department

• Assessing the Effects of External Oversight on the Use of Force - Jon Maskály, University of North Dakota

Chair

• Jon Maskály, University of North Dakota

Discussant

• Debra Kirby, Jensen Hughes

Organized by a Division or external group?

Division of Policing