Who determines if deadly force is justified?

Anytime an officer uses deadly force there are generally two separate, parallel investigations that occur.  First, there is a criminal investigation.  Pursuant to our policy (Directive 6.01 and Directive 6.07), ACCPD requests an independent, objective investigation from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for all incidents involving the use of deadly force.  The GBI investigates these incidents and submits its investigative case file to the Office of the District Attorney for criminal review.  It is the purview of the District Attorney to determine if the use of deadly force was legally justified and whether or not to pursue criminal charges.

Additionally, our Office of Professional Standards conducts an administrative investigation for all incidents involving the use of deadly force.  The administrative investigation determines whether or not the actions of the officer(s) during the use of force were within the policy limits of the department.       

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1. What does the Supreme Court of the United States say about Use of Force?
2. Are ACCPD officers permitted to use neck restraints or choke holds?
3. Are ACCPD officers trained in de-escalation?
4. Are ACCPD officers required to give a verbal warning before shooting?
5. Does the ACCPD have a Use-of-Force Continuum?
6. Are ACCPD officers required to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers? Are they required to report these incidents immediately to a supervisor?
7. Are ACCPD officers permitted to shoot at moving vehicles?
8. Are ACCPD officers required to report each time they use force or threaten to use force?
9. Does ACCPD require that officers exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to deadly force?
10. Does ACCPD release a report on officer uses of force?
11. Is there any other tracking of uses of force?
12. Who determines if deadly force is justified?