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Critical Incident Guidelines

​Officer-Involved Deadly Force / In-Custody Death​

Investigations

 

All officer-involved uses of deadly force and incidents involving an in-custody death are investigated by the

Greensboro Police Department Professional Standards Division.

 

These incidents may also be reviewed by:

 

  • State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)

  • Guilford County District Attorney

  • Guilford County Grand Jury

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Immediate Actions​

Officers involved in a critical incident should:

 

  • Request assistance immediately

  • Render aid to injured parties as soon as it is safe

  • Secure and control the scene by:

    • Limiting all foot and vehicle traffic

    • Preventing unnecessary personnel from entering

    • Assigning officers to establish and maintain a perimete

 

Scene & Evidence Preservation​​

Preserving the integrity of the scene is critical.

 

  • Do not move or disturb anything unnecessarily

  • Leave suspect weapons in place unless they pose a safety risk

  • If a weapon must be moved:

    • Take care to preserve fingerprints, DNA, and other markings

  •  

  • Mark shell casings and key evidence locations when appropriate

  • Ensure all evidence (weapons, contraband, etc.) remains undisturbed

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Objective: Maintain the scene as close as possible to its original condition at the time of the incident.

 

Communication & Representation

  • Contact a GPOA Executive Board member as soon as possible

  • A representative will notify legal counsel and respond to your location

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Firearm Handling​

If you discharged your service weapon:

 

  • Do NOT reload or manipulate the firearm

  • Reholster it and leave it in its current condition

 

This preserves critical evidence, including the number of rounds fired and the condition of the weapon.

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While Awaiting Legal Counsel​

  • Mentally reconstruct the incident in chronological order

  • Focus on:

    • What you observed

    • The perceived threat

    • Your actions and decision-making

Maintain composure, professionalism, and patience during this time.​

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Statements​

  • Do NOT provide a statement prior to consulting with legal counsel

  • In most cases, a voluntary statement will be given after consultation

  • In some instances, legal counsel may advise against providing a statement

 

Early or unadvised statements can lead to misunderstandings or complications later in the process.

 

Key Reminders

  • Scene preservation is essential to establishing justification

  • Statements made under stress may be misinterpreted

  • Remain calm, deliberate, and professional at all times

 

Final Note

While most officer-involved uses of deadly force are ultimately determined to be justified, post-incident actions are critical. Carelessness after the event can create unnecessary risk

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The Greensboro Police Officers Association is here to support you.

Legal representation will be provided as quickly as possible. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself both professionally and legally.

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