SEAM
USE OF FORCE DATABASE
Problem:
Each time an officer uses force - whether in defense, to control a suspect
or even to put down an injured animal - it is reported and tracked so
researchers can study possible trends. Ideally we can learn ways to
improve both officer safety and public service by what has happened in the
past. Montgomery County's paper-based system for tracking use of force has
been in place for years, but the ability to extract useful reports has
lagged behind data entry needs for older versions of software used. When
forms were recently updated, it was discovered that the old software was
not reliably recording data, leading to some data loss, duplication and
errors.
Solution:
SEAM constructed a new database system with forms entry tools set up to
match the paper-based initial reports still used by officers in the field.
Data entry is streamlined, error rates in entry are reduced and there is
more reliability in the reports generated for researchers to study.
Today:
SEAM's use of force data system is presently in use in Montgomery County
Police Department.
During the early phase of this project we were saddened by the loss of
LT Joe Maddingly, who served as our point of
contact with MCPD on this project. Joe was a tremendous asset to the
community and a champion of good policy for both citizens and the officers
who served with him. It was a pleasure working with him and we miss the
can-do attitude he brought to the job.