Ramifications of 'Use of Force' include Fired, Criminally Charged, Sued in Civil Court, and Decertified from Post. Which option best describes all of these possibilities?

• A. Fired
• B. Criminally Charged
• C. Sued in Civil Court
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Ramifications of use of force span multiple accountability avenues: employment discipline, criminal liability, civil liability, and professional certification. An officer’s use of force can lead to being fired if the agency determines policy or conduct was violated. It can also result in criminal charges if laws were broken during the incident. Victims or the state may sue in civil court seeking damages for injuries or other losses. Additionally, POST can decertify an officer, removing their license to serve as a peace officer in the state. Because an incident can trigger more than one of these outcomes, all of the above are possible consequences.