HENDERSON, Nev. - (Nov. 1, 2022) – The City of Henderson Police Department is revising and modernizing their use of force policy to help advance safe, transparent, accountable and effective policing practices.
Policing as a profession is evolving and the new policy provides clear guidelines on the use of force standards related to less lethal and deadly force. By adopting national best practices, the Henderson Police Department is redefining the framework for police interactions with civilians in escalating situations.
“Building trust and confidence between law enforcement and the public we serve is central to our mission of Excellence in Safety and Service at the Henderson Police Department,” said Henderson Police Chief Thedrick Andres. “Adopting this policy and subsequent compliance with this policy will help officers preserve and protect human life and be accountable to the community they serve.”
The policy is intended to promote safety for peace officers and the public by ensuring that officers use reasonable care when determining when to use physical force or deadly force. To that end, officers are required to use all available and appropriate de-escalation tactics prior to using physical force, when possible; use the least amount of physical force necessary to overcome resistance under the circumstances; and terminate the physical force as soon as the necessity for it ends.
“This model policy is an important resource for law enforcement agencies,” said Mayor Debra March. “Officers perform a difficult, important job: helping keep the public safe. The improper use of force erodes community trust and reduces community safety.”
The Las Vegas NAACP President Roxanne McCoy said, “police use of force policies can be confusing and lack clarity for citizens to understand what is expected from police officers. We need federal, state and local reforms that impose police accountability, limit the use of force and require de-escalation tactics before resorting to force. The Henderson Police Department’s revised Use of Force Policy is thorough, comprehensive and meets national best practices.”
A cornerstone to Police Chief Andres’ leadership is that law enforcement policies should be supported by research and data. In developing the new use of force policy, the Henderson Police Department worked with the Powers Consulting Group, a team with extensive law enforcement experience that has assisted other large police departments around the country.
