SPD Leadership Discuss Use of Force

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan Police Chief Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley discussed the use of force by the Sheridan Police Department.

According to Koltiska, transparency builds community trust. By openly sharing how often force is used, what types of force are involved, and the outcomes of those encounters, it allows residents to see how officers operate in real situations rather than relying on assumptions, isolated national incidents or social media.

Reporting also helps residents understand whether force is rare or routine and whether it aligns with department policy and training, Ringley said.

He explained how the department defines use of force and under what circumstances officers may use it.

Capt. T. Ringley

According to Ringley, officers are authorized to use the amount of force that is objectively reasonable in light of the facts and circumstances confronting them to accomplish lawful objectives.

Ringley said SPD policy states that no employee will use unreasonable or excessive force toward any person. In no instance will employees use force in excess of what is reasonable and necessary to protect themselves or another from physical harm, restrain or subdue a resistant individual, or bring an unlawful situation safely and effectively under control.

Koltiska said preventing excessive force begins with the hiring process by selecting the right people to serve as officers. He said use of force is a major training component during the 14-week basic training course at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, and the department conducts ongoing use of force training. SPD officers are also required to wear and use body cameras, with footage reviewed at random by department leadership to ensure officers are acting in accordance with policy.

Every use of force involving more than officer presence, verbal commands or the use of handcuffs is reviewed through reports, interviews and body camera footage, Ringley said.

He also encouraged the public to review the Use of Force section in the Sheridan Police Department annual report. While the 2025 annual report is still being compiled, use of force numbers for the year are available upon request.

Capt. T. Ringley

Koltiska and Ringley will appear on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to review the department’s 2025 use of force numbers beginning at 9:07 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, on KROE 930 AM and 103.9 FM.