KPD Statement on Use of Force policy, “8 Can’t Wait” campaign:
Most of the practices and policies recommended by the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign are already in place at the Knoxville Police Department, including the exhaustion of all other means before resorting to the use of deadly force, required de-escalation, required reporting for instances of use of force, and policy and training that details when increased levels of force can be utilized.
KPD’s full Use of Force Policy is publicly available online at
www.knoxvilletn.gov/kpd, on the Open Records page. The Use of Force policy can be accessed directly here:
https://knoxvilletn.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/Police/OpenRecords/GO%201.6%20Use%20of%20Force.pdf.
The KPD is re-assembling its Use of Force Committee to review the policy and ensure that it is consistent with the best practices, including those of the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign. With input from City of Knoxville leadership and the public, the KPD is committed to developing policies that accurately address the concerns of our community and help safeguard and strengthen the trust of the residents we serve.