Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene?

West Chester Police Department policy provides that any officer who observes another officer using force clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall intercede, when feasible, to prevent the use of such excessive force, so long as doing so does not pose a safety risk. Officers shall immediately report these observations to a supervisor and document the observations prior to the end of shift. A violation of policy, including failure to intervene, will be investigated and an officer will be disciplined or fired if policy is violated.

Show All Answers

1. Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department being trained to deescalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies?
2. Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department prohibited from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.)?
3. Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene?
4. Are the officers in the West Chester Police Department required to give a verbal warning to citizens before drawing their weapon or using force?
5. Are the officers in the West Chester Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on citizens?
6. Are the officers in the West Chester Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using force?
7. Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use force?
8. Do the West Chester Police use body cameras?
9. What can I do as a concerned citizen?