Rights of Officers
Public Safety Statements
When involved in a Critical
Incident
After involvement in a critical incident, supervisors may ask you
questions as part of a “public safety statement.” Any questions that don’t revolve around these basic questions should give you reason to invoke 5th Amendment rights, pending a “Garrity
Statement”.
Typical statements include the following:
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Type of force used
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Location of injured persons, including those in need of medical attention, if any
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Description of outstanding suspects and their direction of travel, time elapsed since the suspect was last seen, and any suspect weapons
they may possess.
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Direction and approximate number of any shots fired by the involved officer and/or suspects and any known results, if
applicable.
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Description and location of known evidence.
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Other information as necessary to ensure officer & public safety, and assist in the apprehension of outstanding suspects including
identity of all persons present