The Bellefontaine Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy met for their eight-week, Thursday evening.
Sergeant Andy Kennedy handled the teaching duties.
The first topic Sgt. Kennedy covered was the use of force.
During his presentation, Sgt. Kennedy talked about the leading case on the use of force which is the US Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor in 1989.
During this case, the court determined that an objective reasonableness standard should apply to a free citizen’s claim that law enforcement officials used excessive force in the course of making an arrest, investigatory stop, or other “seizure” of his person.
The topic of use of force led to the discussion on the use of force continuum.
The Bellefontaine Police Department takes these practices very seriously.
The class also went over firearm safety, as they are preparing for their shooting range class in a couple of weeks.
Next week, the class will take a tour of the Logan County Jail and watch the movie “Heroes Behind the Badge.”
