Public weighs in on updated South Bend Police Department Use of Force Policy draft

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – There is now an updated version of the South Bend Police Department’s use of force policy draft.

The main changes to the policy include:

• More Focus on de-escalation practices
• Changes to definitions outlined in the policy

This includes putting an emphasis on the difference between minimal force, deadly force, and force.

Thursday night via Zoom, members of the public had the chance to weigh in on the changes made since the last public review session, which was in August.

Along with community members, lawyers and South Bend Police Officers were also a part of the Zoom call to offer their expertise.

“I do feel like this is a good step forward and I look forward to hearing all of your opinions,” said James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend.

The city will take feedback from tonight’s meeting and make additional changes to the policy as needed.

City officials say they hope to have the policy approved by early next year.

The public can still submit their thoughts online; the feedback is through an electronic form.

 For the full updated version of the policy, visit their website.