Some police organizations search in vain for the proverbial “magic bullet” to the challenges they are facing, often wasting time and resources in this pursuit. One of these challenges involves an attempt to reduce use-of-force (UOF) incidents. The Miami Beach, Florida, Police Department (MBPD) embarked on this challenge in 2021. Instead of a magic bullet, the cylinder of strategies was loaded with several notable initiatives. These included an in-depth analysis of UOF data, involving community partners in the existing defensive tactics program, utilization of the high-risk decision support system in critical incidents, and use of the interleaving learning technique in training. From 2021 to 2023, there was a 41 percent decline in use of force.

What Is Being Measured?

MBPD’s Training Unit is tasked with analyzing the department’s UOF data and then implementing training to respond to both micro and macro trends. MBPD uses traditional analytical approaches such as calculating UOF rates in relation to total calls for service, arrests, Baker Act (Florida law allowing involuntary commitments for mental health examinations), and sustained excessive force complaints.

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