Law Enforcement Leaders Advocate for Major Reforms in Police Use of Force

New guidelines aim to reduce fatalities and improve safety during civilian encounters, particularly for those in medical or mental crises.

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has issued new guidelines to change how officers use force and improve training to prevent civilian deaths.
The recommendations, inspired by an AP investigation, include better coordination with medical responders and de-escalation tactics.
The report emphasizes treating individuals in medical, mental, or drug crises as patients rather than suspects to enhance safety for all parties involved.
PERF's guidelines highlight the dangers of prone restraint and urge officers to reposition restrained individuals to avoid fatal outcomes.
The report also advises against police influencing medical personnel to administer sedatives, stressing that such decisions should be made independently by medics.