USE OF FORCE UNDER THE SAFE-T ACT

ILETSB Certified Training

Our Course, "Use of Force Under the SAFE-T Act", has been certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. It is currently available in the Chicagoland area for member departments of NEMRT (MTU-3) and the Tri-River Police Training Association (MTU-16) for in-house training. Contact us to arrange hosting this course.

About the Course

The 8-hour course (1 hour for lunch) covers recent changes to Illinois law and how those changes impact officers use of force considerations in light of the longstanding Graham and Garner standards. It also delves into civil and criminal liability under Illinois and federal law, with special attention paid to response to domestic violence incidents.

Course Description

The use of force, particularly deadly force, is the most serious power granted to police officers in Illinois. The SAFE-T Act standards go beyond the minimum constitutional requirements established by Graham and Connor. Students in this course will learn the difference between criminal and civil liability when using force, their legal obligations when using force or not using force, and a granular understanding of the various force requirements in Illinois use of force statutes. They will also learn how pre-force conduct impacts reasonableness and their obligations after using force.

Course Goals

• Students will understand the difference between civil and criminal liability

• Obligations to take police action under Illinois law, particularly the Domestic Violence and Tort Immunity Acts

• Understand the methods used by prosecutors to evaluate a use of force

• Understand the higher use of force standards required by Illinois law

• How to responsibly use less lethal force options in compliance with Illinois law

• Understand how pre and post event conduct is considered when evaluating a use of force

ILETSB Training Mandates