The standard for excellence in public safety is changing. Lexipol is your partner in understanding how your agency measures up and setting a course to achieve performance excellence. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn about our holistic approach built on Gordon Graham’s 5 Pillars of Organizational Success.
In Today’s Tip, Gordon Graham emphasizes that corrections officers should anticipate use‑of‑force scenarios before they unfold — not react and hope their documentation holds up later.
Even in the controlled environment of a correctional facility, unpredictable disturbances demand quick decisions. Officers should prefer verbal or nonverbal de-escalation and, if they must use force, choose approved control devices. Importantly, once order is restored, they must clearly justify the necessity of force in their reports by detailing: what threat existed, whether they or others were at risk, and why no reasonable alternative was available.
Questions for discussion:
- In your facility, how often do officers rehearse or role‑play de-escalation and use-of-force decisions before a real disturbance occurs?
- What control devices are authorized in your corrections policies, and when are they preferred over hands-on force?
- After a use-of-force event, how does your department review and audit the reports to ensure the justification is robust and defensible?
- What barriers exist in your agency that might discourage officers from carefully documenting decisions made under stress?
- From a leadership perspective: How can commanders and supervisors set expectations and enforce standards so that every use-of-force incident is properly justified and transparent?
