SPD speaks on use of force investigations and training

Police Department Chief Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss the Sheridan Police Department use of force.

According to the Captain, whenever officers employ an amount of force capable of causing injury in the course of effecting an arrest, overcoming resistance, or controlling a dangerous situation, the officer will note the use of force in the incident report, and explain the circumstances pertinent to its use.

The SPD Chief said the use of force is a key training component both at the academy and through much of an officer’s continued training. 

Chief T. Koltiska

Uses of force are investigated each time an officer employs O.C. (pepper spray), empty hand strikes – including knee strikes and kicks – an electronic control device (taser), an impact weapon (baton) or firearm.

The use of tasers among law enforcement around the country has increased over the years since its inception. Ringley told listeners he would much rather take a taser shock as they are much less damaging to the human body than the techniques and tools used in previous years. 

Capt. T. Ringley

Sheridan Media will conclude the series on Sheridan Police Department’s use of force with statistics from the 2023 year in another story.