Lethal Force Investigation Seminar

The use of lethal force by a peace officer is the most serious act a law enforcement officer will experience. Law enforcement officers have an affirmative duty to protect themselves and the public by the use of deadly force, but must also be guided by a reverence for human life and the law. When a law enforcement officer uses deadly force, he may be assured that his conduct will be closely examined and scrutinized by the media, the public, his agency, prosecutors and, often, civilian oversight committees. That investigation must be objective, comprehensive and competent to ensure the public’s trust and to arrive at the truth of the matter. The final adjudication must be fair, impartial, and just.

This course provides an in-depth examination of lethal force incidents, from the initial response to the final judgment. Participants will acquire the knowledge necessary to handle these incidents, from inception to resolution.

Retired Los Angeles Police Department Commander James Voge will present this informative and useful seminar. As a captain, Voge was tasked by LAPD Chief Bill Bratton in 2004 to develop the finest detective division anywhere to investigate lethal force incidents by police officers, a division to be responsible for the criminal and administrative investigation of these sensitive incidents. After considerable national and international research, Captain Voge created the Force Investigation Division.

260 incidents were investigated during the first two years after the creation of the Force Investigation Division, including two major controversial shootings that involved a 13-year-old car theft suspect and a 17-month-old child. All parties involved in any way with these shootings noted the exceptional quality and thoroughness of the investigations, a considerable improvement over past investigations that resulted in community skepticism and mistrust. The Force Investigation Division more than proved itself.

Commander Voge lectured on officer-involved shootings at the 2005 International Association of Chiefs of Police, and has lectured nationally and in Northern Ireland.

This 12-hour seminar will be presented at CSOC in Highlands Ranch.

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