What is the first step an officer should take after a use of force incident?

The first step an officer should take after a use of force incident is to report and document the actions taken. Proper documentation is crucial for several reasons. It ensures an accurate record is maintained of the incident, which is vital for transparency and accountability. This documentation should include details about the use of force involved, the circumstances leading up to it, the individuals involved, and any witnesses present.

Thorough reporting helps to create a clear narrative that can be important for investigations, legal proceedings, or departmental reviews. It also aids in safeguarding the officer by providing a factual account that can be referenced if necessary. Therefore, initiating documentation effectively establishes a reliable foundation for addressing any subsequent legal, administrative, or community-related inquiries about the incident.

In contrast, other options, while they may also be important actions to take in specific contexts, do not address the immediate need for proper documentation following the use of force. Calling for backup and assessing the situation might occur during the incident as it unfolds, but once the immediate situation is under control, the imperative shifts to documenting what happened. Detaining the suspect may also have been part of the incident but becomes secondary to ensuring all aspects of the use of force are accurately recorded.