Which action is part of reviewing a use-of-force incident?

• A. Compare actions to policy
• B. Gather statements only after interviewing the officer
• C. Review only the video footage
• D. Assume the outcome without debriefing

Answer: (A)

Reviewing a use-of-force incident centers on ensuring actions align with department policy and training. This means evaluating what happened and checking each action against the rules to determine if it was appropriate and within policy. That comparison is the essential step because it provides an objective standard to judge conduct, identify any policy violations, and highlight training or procedure gaps for improvement.

Why this is the best choice: comparing actions to policy directly assesses compliance and accountability, which is the core purpose of a review and lays the groundwork for corrective actions, coaching, or policy updates.

Why the other approaches are incomplete: gathering statements only after interviewing the officer limits the perspective to one person and timing, missing corroboration from other witnesses and evidence; reviewing only video footage omits important context, policy benchmarks, and training considerations; assuming the outcome without debriefing bypasses critical reflection, learning, and documented conclusions that guide future practice.