Sole Speaking Officer Rule

Sole Speaking Officer Rules are common sense policing reforms that require that only one police officer present at an encounter with a suspect be allowed to give orders to that suspect. This is particularly important to limit the escalation of tense police encounters where a suspect struggles with trying to comply with contradictory commands shouted at him by multiple officers. If you watch recorded encounters between debilitated and scared suspects and law enforcement, a trend you will often see is one where several officers respond, each shouting orders at the suspect, (often when pointing firearms at them) that conflict with each other. Sole Speaking Officer Rules seek to reduce injury and death by requiring that law enforcement conduct themselves in a more professional manner that does not frustrate and confuse suspects that are willing to comply.

We need Sole Speaking Officer Rules adopted by more police departments.

Sole Speaking Officer Rule by Sole Speaking Officer October 31, 2023