There are multiple levels to use of force. For example, an officer giving you a command is considered a use of force. However, with respect to more serious uses of force; including use of weapons (e.g. taser, baton, firearm, pepper spray, hand strikes, etc.), from 2009 to 2020, TSE has had only three uses of nonlethal force, and zero uses of lethal force.

In all three instances, TSE Officers used an Oleoresin Capsicum chemical irritant (pepper spray) to disperse large groups of individuals who were behaving violently and were destroying property. None of these incidents resulted in more than exposure (and burning) from the use of the spray. No one requested or required medical assistance.

Due to the consistent utilization of advanced verbal communication skills, TSE personnel are often able to successfully deescalate situations quickly. TSE places a very high priority on verbal and nonverbal communication skills, as well as Community Oriented Policing Standards; skills which are used with great success every day by Agency personnel.

Yes, all uniformed TSE officers are issued and utilize body worn cameras in accordance with agency policy and law (Limited Exceptions: cameras may not be issued or utilized by certain TSE officers assigned to federal duties in accordance with federal law and regulation). TSE was one of the first organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region (public or private) to implement and deploy the devices. In many areas, we are still the only agency to utilize them. Body worn cameras are a proven tool and mechanism to protect everyone involved against false claims and allegations, and serve as an irreplaceable tool to maintain full and transparent accountability of TSE personnel.

Yes, TSE officers render emergency medical care and much more. All officers, regardless of previous employment history, are required to be or become certified in a variety of topics and subjects typically not covered in any states’ approved basic training. In many cases, TSE personnel are required to complete a specialized training curriculum as a condition of employment.

In total, this specialized training can be upwards of two thousand hours, encompassing a variety of intermediate and advanced subjects. This is part of our Proprietary All Hazards Approach℠. Some of the areas of certification and training include: use of thermal imaging cameras, emergency medical care and advanced first aid, opiate overdose care and Narcan® certification, firefighting, explosives, radiological hazards, critical infrastructure protection, responding to active shooters, evacuation planning and coordination, hazardous materials, and more. Officer certifications are issued under state or national authority.

Yes, TSE provides a wide range of training services including topics such as active shooter, disaster management, insider threats, general safety and security, threat mitigation, and more.

TSE also provides training specific for those designated as critical infrastructure, or fall under ESF and/or NPPD.

Training is available to organizations and individuals.

Yes, TSE can provide guest speakers as well as subject matter experts for a variety of needs.

On all complaints and violations, there will be specific information which details what it is, and the subject of the violation or complaint. It will clearly detail what to do next, including where to go if necessary, and the known penalties at the time of issuance.