A statement from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office,
We have received many calls, emails and social media messages from our community in the last 24-hours concerning our use of force policy in relation to a report card from the organization 8cantwait.
There are number of significant errors in their reporting. For example, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Use of Force manual clearly prohibits the use of chokeholds and strangleholds. That has been true for many years. Below you will find some additional examples of how our policies and procedures are in line with the organization 8cantwait.
DUTY TO INTERVENE
Our Use of Force policy GO-04-06 states, “At no time are deputies allowed to use unnecessary force”. Canon Three of our Rules and Regulations states, “103.08 Members shall recognize that their allegiance is first to the people, then to their profession and the governmental entity or agency that employs them.” Additionally, Canon Six reads, “106.04 Members shall maintain the integrity of their profession through complete disclosure of those who violate any law, or who conduct themselves in a manner which tends to discredit the profession.”
BAN SHOOTING AT MOVING VEHICLES
Our Use and Discharge of Firearms policy GO 04-03 states, “Firearms shall not be discharged under the following circumstances: #3. From or at a moving vehicle, except when necessary in the defense of the deputy's life or the life of another person.”
HAS USE OF FORCE CONTINUIM
The explication of ‘reasonableness’ that coincides with the facts and circumstances at the time of the incident better align with current expectations of LE.
REQUIRES COMPREHENSIVE REPORTING
Our Use of Force Policy, GO-04-06 states, “Any use of force by a member of this department shall be documented promptly, completely and accurately in the appropriate report…..”
We invite everyone in the community to review our Use of Force Policy which can found online at https://www.marinsheriff.org/publications/policies-and-procedures. In addition, you will see a complete list of the policies and procedures that guide our Office and a complete list of our training courses as required per SB978.
Our policies and procedures are consistent with 21st Century Policing Principles.
•Body-Worn Cameras. In 2017, we implemented the Body-Worn Camera program. All Deputies assigned to patrol are equipped with AXON-2 cameras and record interactions with the public. Our BWC footage is uploaded and periodically reviewed by supervisors.
•Bias Training. All our sworn Deputies complete “Bias Based Policing” training. The training helps Deputies understand that we all have personal biases, but that it is a Deputies duty to remain fair and impartial in their discretion and decisions.
•Mental Health Training. All sworn Deputies complete POST training (Peace Officers Standards and Training) on how to interact with people who are in mental crisis. In addition, our department also provides an enhanced 40-hour CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) with some members of our organization certified as instructors. Our goal is to have all Deputies complete this training.
•De-Escalation. It is expected that every member of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office utilizes de-escalation techniques whenever possible, and only use force as necessary. All use of force incidents by our officers are documented and reviewed by our organization.
Our policies and procedures are frequently reviewed and updated as circumstances and technologies change.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office, as shown in our policies, always consider the use of force as a last resort when the life and safety of community members and our deputies is at risk.
We recognize that these programs and policies are only effective if our Deputies continue to reflect the values of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. We strive for Partnership, Leadership and Excellence within our organization.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards and continuously look for ways to improve. We are transparent and we hold ourselves accountable. We are committed to listening to your concerns and working with you to address them.
