The Baltimore City Police Department has revamped its use of force policy with an eye towards “sanctity of life”, officer safety, and overall departmental effectiveness.

As reported on WBAL:

The new policy takes effect July 1, replacing the old rules, which hadn’t been changed since September 2003.

“The process was a meticulous look, and it took several months to craft,” Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.

“These changes will simply make us better,” Davis said.

The new policy includes new terminology and clear definitions. It requires officers to intercede and notify a supervisor if they see a fellow officer using excessive force. It also requires officers to provide medical assistance.

But the big stand-out, officials said, is an emphasis on de-escalation.

“There’s really a focus on de-escalating where possible, and also, when force is necessary, that the force be proportional,” said Jason Johnson, the Police Department’s director of strategic development.

For more information visit WBAL or read the updated use of force policy.