"A firearm is a tool of last resort. Respect it accordingly."
Use of Force Reporting
Instructor Sele: Every time force is used — at any level, with or without a weapon — a report must be written. The report is your legal protection. Without it, the only account of what happened is someone else's. Write it well, write it immediately, write it accurately.
Section 1 — When a Use of Force Report is Required
A use of force report must be completed any time a SafeHaven guard: draws their firearm in the course of duty (even if not discharged); discharges their firearm; uses any level of physical force beyond a guided escort; deploys less-lethal measures (pepper spray, etc.); is involved in a physical altercation, whether or not force was "won".
The report must be submitted to the shift supervisor within 30 minutes of the incident wherever operationally possible.
Section 2 — What the Report Must Contain
Use of force reports must answer these questions completely: Who — full details of the guard(s) involved and any suspects, victims, or witnesses. Where — exact location of the incident on the post. When — date and precise time (24-hour clock). What threat — specific description of the threat that justified the force (the suspect's actions, not your interpretation of their character).
What force — the exact type and level of force applied. Why — why lower levels of force were not sufficient. Outcome — the result of the force (threat neutralised, suspect restrained, fled, etc.). Injuries — any injuries to any person, including the guard, described objectively. Medical — was medical assistance called or required? Witnesses — names and contact details of all witnesses.
Section 3 — What Not to Include
No personal opinions about the suspect's character or intentions beyond what they demonstrably did. No speculation about outcomes that did not occur ("he would have killed someone"). No justifications not supported by the facts. No gaps — if you don't remember a detail, write "not recalled at time of writing" — never fabricate.
Section 4 — Criminal Discharge Reporting
When a firearm is discharged, the use of force report is filed in conjunction with: an LNP notification (SafeHaven Command's responsibility); an internal incident investigation (mandatory); possible witness statements; preservation of spent casings and any evidence at the scene.
- •A use of force report is required for any draw, discharge, or physical force above guided escort
- •Reports must be submitted within 30 minutes of the incident
- •Record facts, not opinions — what the suspect did, not who you think they are
- •A firearm discharge triggers additional reporting obligations including LNP notification
- •Your report is your legal protection — make it complete, accurate, and immediate
"After a use of force incident, the adrenaline is still high. Your memory is unreliable within minutes — details shift, timelines compress. The first thing you do after you secure the scene is write. Not call your wife. Not talk to colleagues about what happened. Write. Everything you remember, while you remember it. The report you write in the next 30 minutes may be the most important document of your career."
What information must be included in a use-of-force incident report?