Buffalo Grove police receive federal 'Use of Force' certification

The Buffalo Grove Police Department has received the Federal Use of Force Certification through the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies.

The certification is part of the Safe Policing for Safe Communities Executive Order enacted in June 2020. It was created to ensure law enforcement agencies provide service in a safe, transparent and accountable manner and requires that use of force policies adhere to all local, state and federal laws.

Specific policies of the police department that were reviewed include use of reasonable and deadly force, de-escalation and crisis intervention, rendering of medical aid following police actions, duty to intervene, restrictions on vascular restraints and choke holds, weapon proficiency training and the reporting/review of use of force incidents.

"I fully supported this executive order and knew that our department would have no issues meeting the criteria," Police Chief Steve Casstevens said. "This ensures that our agency continues to provide services to our community in a safe, transparent and accountable manner, while maintaining use of force policies that adhere to all local, state and federal laws."