ABSTRACT
As stated in previous chapters, nothing engenders more controversy in the law enforcement field than a death or serious injury arising from use of force by a police officer or a death that occurs while a suspect or inmate is in custody. Unless police agencies conduct thorough and objective investigations and communicate their findings openly to the media and the community, the controversy and criticism surrounding such cases will continue. As professionals in public service agencies, police officers, whether administrative or field staff, must make every effort to assure the general public that we are not above the laws that we enforce, that we do not deserve special treatment in highly sensitive cases, and that we have every intention of fulfilling our responsibilities of protecting the public.
