Vancouver Police Department continues to implement improvements to use of force policies and practices

The Vancouver Police Department, in partnership with the city’s Community Task Force on Policing, has thus far implemented 31of 84 recommendations outlined in a use of force report completed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in June 2020.

The initial review process began in June 2019, when the city commissioned PERF, a nonprofit police research and policy organization, to assess the police department’s policies, training, documentation, and data on use of force.

“The Vancouver Police Department is committed to continuing to make policy and culture changes in an effort to improve equity, accountability, transparency, promote higher standards, and increase public trust and confidence between our department and the public we serve,” said Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain.

Key police department changes implemented to date include:

• Five key policy updates, including enhancing standards for use of canines and adding language requiring officers to carry a flashlight other than the one mounted on their firearm.
• Two new bias and cultural awareness department trainings and the expansion of existing training curriculum, including the roll out of PERF’s recommended Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training guide and associated training materials, to better equip officers for de-escalation in the field.
• Expanded data collection efforts and transparency with the implementation of a new records management system to track police response and incident details related to use of force.

The Community Task Force on Policing, a group of community members, city council members, police staff and the city manager, has been charged with ensuring accountability and transparency as the city implements the recommendations. The task force, which meets monthly, is also charged with overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive police camera program, projected to be implemented in spring 2022.

“The task force has been highly engaged in helping move forward the implementation of key changes in policing practices,” said Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. “We are grateful for their partnership as we work together in building a better system for our community.”

The task force continues to work alongside the city to address the remaining recommendations outlined in the use of force report, with work anticipated to be completed by fall 2021. VPD will continue to address opportunities for improvement following implementation of the PERF recommendations.

The community is invited to view the full use of force report and ongoing updates, and share ideas at https://www.beheardvancouver.org/taskforceonpolicing.

The full PERF report, use of force data, the Vancouver Police Department policy manual and regular updates regarding this project and other public safety initiatives are available online:

• PERF use of force report: www.cityofvancouver.us/PERFReport
• Use of force data dashboard: www.cityofvancouver.us/UseofForceData
• Police camera study: www.cityofvancouver.us/VPDCameraStudy
• Police Department policies: www.cityofvancouver.us/PolicePolicies
• FAQs on police and other city-related topics: www.cityofvancouver.us/FAQs