Shootings, in-custody deaths, significant uses of force, and other “critical incidents” should always be viewed as criminal investigations, and the involved officer should speak only with a representative from this office about the incident. If a fellow officer is involved in a critical incident, you may assist him/her by lending emotional support, attending to personal needs, and calling for legal representation, but do not discuss the incident. There is arguably no confidential communication privilege in such conversations. However, officers should disclose information relating to suspect description, direction of flight, direction of shots, and other information important to officer/public safety.
