LITITZ BOROUGH -

LBPD RELEASES USE-OF-FORCE POLICY FOR INSTANT PUBLIC ACCESS AND REVIEW - 10/01/2020

The LBPD Use-of-Force policy (General Order 1.3) is being released for instant public access and review on our CRIMEWATCH page, LititzPD.org.  Instant public access is available for anyone who wishes to read the policy content, at any time. The policy is regularly reviewed and revised when necessary, and incorporates the top 8 areas of concern from police oversight groups to include de-escalation, duty to intervene and the prohibition of "chokeholds" or other similar neck restraints.

The policy meets or exceeds PLEAC Accreditation requirements and relevant State, Federal and case law.  The Accreditation program has mechanisms in place which require we prove we are actually complying with the policy in our daily performance.

We are releasing the policy in the interest of public transparency and understanding.  The policy has been released in its entirety with zero redactions.  This release is not the result of a specific request or specific incident.  This release is the culmination of a months-long internal policy review and update process which involved the incorporation of recent PLEAC Accreditation standard updates. Simply put, we are not asking you to take our word that we have an industry-standard use-of-force policy, we are putting it out in the public domain so you can see it for yourself.

Although many of these policy items are making recent headlines, it is important to understand that many of these exact same items were already in place by the LBPD in our policies and procedures (and many other police agencies too).  LBPD officers are trained in the police requirements annually as to the LBPD expectations and outcomes related to the application of force.  The use of modern agency technology provides LBPD officers with instant 24/7 access to all agency policy, which can be accessed in the police station, patrol car or in the field on any mobile device.

Additionally, testing is administered and document to ensure officer understanding of the policy requirements. The formation of policy which meets or exceeds PLEAC Accreditation and legal standards provides LBPD officers with a clear framework for problem solving and decision making.

Media Contact: Media@LititzPD.org