Pocatello police talk to NAACP about “use of force”

In the wake of officer-involved incidents in Missouri, New York and Ohio, the Pocatello NAACP heard from the Pocatello Police Department Monday night about its “use of force” policies.

“We want the police department here to let people know why these things are happening,” said Jim Robinson, an NAACP member.

Capt. Roger Schei, a member of the NAACP and the head of the Pocatello Police Department’s patrol division, said officers always try to deescalate situations with verbal commands.

“In order for deadly force to happen, we have to feel like our life or the life of someone else is in jeopardy,” said Schei.

As a rule, Schei said officers won’t strike the head or face — unless they feel unsafe.

“If you were to pull out a knife or a crowbar or a baseball bat and we were in a close distance and I did not have time to access my firearm, I may use my baton for deadly strikes,” said Schei.

Schei said every time an officer uses force, the case is automatically referred to a five-layer review process.

Most NAACP members tell Local News 8 they’ve enjoyed friendly relations with Pocatello police and hope to continue to do so.

“The police don’t target us because there’s not enough of us,” said Billy Lake.