Law Enforcement: Federal Agencies Should Improve Reporting and Review of Less-Lethal Force

This report examines the extent to which federal agencies developed policies, procedures, and training on the use of less-lethal force during demonstrations; reported their use of such force during deployments to Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon; and took action to review their use of less-lethal force for these deployments. GAO also presents information on the federal roles and activities during these deployments.

To address these objectives, GAO identified 10 federal agencies that used less-lethal force or deployed large numbers of personnel in Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon, from May through September 2020. Specifically, GAO identified four agencies within DHS, four agencies within DOJ, the U.S. Park Police within the Interior, and the National Guard within the Department of Defense. GAO reviewed agency guidance on less-lethal force; analyzed use of force reports and determinations on whether the force was used in accordance with policy; and interviewed agency officials.