When an officer is involved in a use of force that results in death, which types of investigations are conducted?

When an officer is involved in a use of force incident that results in death, both criminal and administrative investigations are standard procedure. The criminal investigation is essential as it determines whether any laws were violated during the incident, which is crucial for accountability and ensuring that any potential criminal liability is addressed. This can involve various agencies, usually including local law enforcement and sometimes state or federal entities, depending on the circumstances of the case.

On the other hand, the administrative investigation focuses on the policies and procedures of the law enforcement agency involved. This investigation assesses whether the officer followed departmental policies regarding the use of force and examines the broader implications for training, policy adjustments, or disciplinary actions that may be necessary. The goal is to ensure that the agency adheres to its standards and improves practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The combination of both investigations helps ensure a comprehensive review of the incident from both a legal and organizational perspective, promoting accountability, transparency, and ongoing improvement in law enforcement practices.