Police use of force is a sub-category of police misconduct
Police use of excessive force cases can be complex and therefore the need for a police use of force expert witness who has experience in assessing this category of cases.
Examining Video And Audio Evidence
These days there is an abundance of police body cameras, police dashcams, cell phone video, personal security video, pole video, government surveillance video, audio files etc.. The police use of force expert witness will need to review each of these videos in a frame by frame analysis in order to get the best possible objective view of the case. This is time consuming but is absolutely necessary. The police use of force expert witness should examine videos and whenever possible note times when certain important events occur.
Forensic Shooting Reconstruction And The Scientific Method
The police use of force expert witness will oftentimes be called upon to assess shooting cases. As with any case, it is of the utmost importance the police use of force expert witness utilizes the scientific method when conducting any reconstruction. If a police use of force expert witness does not know what the scientific method is they are of no use in reconstruction of the event.
Examine All Case Material
The police use of force expert witness will also need to examine all case material however minor. The autopsy report or medical findings are a very important factor in assessing these cases. This calls for a police use of force expert witness who is familiar with autopsy and medical protocols. Any and all police reports must be examined.
Truth Seeking
One of the most important things to look for when seeking a police use of force expert witness is finding one who is dedicated to finding the truth. This search for the truth will show both the strengths and weaknesses of the case at hand.
Knowledge Of The Literature
Another thing the police use of force expert witness must bring to the table is an updated knowledge of the literature on the subject. Without this, the police use of force expert witness is lacking usefulness. The ideal police use of force expert witness will have a comprehensive forensic library and access to the latest journal articles.
The police use of force expert witness must be objective and try to eliminate all bias when examining these cases. As stated above, searching for the truth is the ideal trait of the police use of force expert witness.
” I will always remember that I am a truth seeker, not a case maker.” IAAI 1949.
A police use of force expert witness who exemplifies the above traits is a true expert.