Metropolitan Police officers must report what they know about officers and force

After an arrest, Metropolitan Police officers must record what they know at the time about officers at the scene and force used during the arrest. The rule covers law enforcement officers at the scene, including federal officers. It applies to paperwork supporting the arrest, including statements used to justify arrests made without a warrant. When known at the time, officers must list each officer’s name, badge or other ID number, and agency. To the extent known at the time, they must say whether an officer used force and describe it, count unidentified officers, and note refusals to identify themselves. The reporting rule expires 225 days after the law takes effect.

A failure to follow this reporting rule cannot be used in a criminal or civil case. Only Metropolitan Police officers have a duty under this rule. It places no duty on officers from other agencies. The rule gives no one a right to sue under it. These limits apply during the law’s 225-day term.