The UPF is pleased to present the handbook /simplified manual of SOPs on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement agencies during operations. The IGP while presenting the 50.000 copies, revealed that the SOPs specifically deal with the use of force and firearms by law enforcement agencies during operations. He added that adherence to the SOPs will minimize operational mistakes and further enable police officers enforce law and order, to the expectations of the public we serve.
As police we are given legal authority to use physical force. In the last decade there is growing awareness that police must strive not only to prevent unnecessary or excessive use of force but also ensure that communities perceive their police to be acting properly when they use force.
Due to the greater attention to use of force issues, there have been substantial improvements in policies, practices and results. These include significant reductions in officer –involved shootings , creation of early intervention systems to detect possible excesses in individual officers use of force, greater mechanisms for accountability and transparency regarding use of force issues, and training of officers to de-escalate situations when possible, using verbal techniques and other non-lethal methods of controlling an incident.
The SOPs are organized into 15 categories that include; use of force, use of firearms, principles on the use of lethal force, warning by use of loudspeakers, public meetings that become riotous, procedure for dispersal, warning shots, unauthorized use of lethal force, use of force techniques, restoration to normal activities, post armed confrontation management, investigations about the armed confrontation, after action reporting and after action review.
We would like to caution that the SOPs cannot anticipate every type of incident that officers may encounter, but they must consider the rapidly changing dynamics off any policing situation.
The IGP has appealed to all officers to be conversant with the provisions in these SOPs, as the main guidelines in the use of force and firearms during police operations. We hope it will assist them in ensuring firearms are used in the most appropriate and effective manner possible.
CP FRED ENANGA
UGANDA POLICE FORCE
SPOKESPERSON
26TH, OCT, 2020
