Here’s How West Orange Police Handle ‘Use Of Force’: Chief

WEST ORANGE, NJ — How does the West Orange Police Department handle “use of force” situations?

On Thursday, West Orange Police Chief James Abbott released a statement that details the department’s approach to law enforcement situations that may require force.

Abbot’s statement comes as cities and towns across the nation – including West Orange – are seeing protests over the death of George Floyd.

• See related article: Peaceful George Floyd Protest Planned For West Orange On Saturday

Here’s what Abbott had to say:

"There have been many inquiries regarding the West Orange Police Departments (WOPD) approach to several important and impactful policies. In general, New Jersey is way ahead of the curve than many other parts of the nation; and I’m proud to say WOPD is ahead of New Jersey in general. There are rural areas of the U.S. which have part time officers and Sheriff’s deputies and many of these agencies operate in the absence of written policies or training. The West Orange Police Dept. does have all eight of the policies noted on www.8cantwait.org covered by both training and policy. That said, there are exceptions to every rule and every use of force must be measured, not excessive and reviewed through a lens that determines and establishes, "Was it a reasonable use of force under the totality of all the surrounding circumstances?"

"Below I’ve detailed the WOPD response & current position related to each of the eight policies noted on www.8cantwait.org and I’m happy to report that the West Orange Police Dept. is already performing at Campaign Zero.

"I encourage everyone to visit www.westorange.org/police for more information and to read through relevant policies and documents."

1. Ban Chokeholds & Strangleholds: A choke hold would be reasonable in any instance where an officer is fighting to save their own life or the life of another and where deadly force is authorized. However chokeholds should NEVER be used as a compliance measure.

2. Require De-escalation: De-escalation isn’t always practical in every situation. If someone were on top of you beating you, you would likely prefer the police went right to a measured and minimum use of force rather than attempting to have a conversation with your assailant.

3. Required Warning Before Shooting: If someone points a gun at an officer there is likely not much of an opportunity to explain that if he or she shoots then the officer is going to return fire.

4. Exhaust All Other Means Before Shooting: Same as number three.

5. Duty to Intervene: Any officer not intervening in excessive force would likely be charged criminally with misconduct in office; this would be a decision of the NJ Attorney General or Essex County Prosecutor.

6. Ban Shooting at Moving Vehicles: Shooting at moving vehicles has been banned in NJ for years.

7. Require Use of Force Continuum: We have a use of force continuum however sometimes we can’t start with de-escalation due to the circumstances as explained above.

8. Require Comprehensive Reporting: All force is reported however WOPD goes beyond by requiring constructive force (unholstering a weapon in performance of duties) be reported on a use of force report. This is something I strongly believe the NJAG missed.

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