Lawful use of force -- Training program.
Utah Code § 67-5-35
in effect67-5-35. Lawful use of force -- Training program.
(1)
(a) The attorney general is authorized to administer and coordinate the provision of legal and practical training for law enforcement officers in the state regarding the constitutional and lawful use of force, including:
(i) best practices in reducing law enforcement officer use of force; and
(ii) legal foundations and limitations on law enforcement officer authority under Section 76-2-404, the Utah Constitution or laws of the state, and the United States Constitution or laws of the United States.
(b) Under Subsection (1)(a), the attorney general may create a training center and provide:
(i) technology integrating legal training on the use of force by law enforcement officers;
(ii) best practices regarding law enforcement officer response to threatening situations; and
(iii) law enforcement officer tactical training, including:
(A) virtual reality simulator training;
(B) investigation of a use of force incident; and
(C) legal documentation of use of force.
(2)
(a) The attorney general shall make available statewide legal and practical training for law enforcement officers in the state and informational materials regarding law enforcement officer use of force and related subjects.
(b) The training and informational materials shall include programs and information specifically designed to address:
(i) pre-escalation recognition of potential resistance and law enforcement officer response options that do not involve force;
(ii) decision-making skills regarding use of force;
(iii) management of law enforcement officer stress during threatening situations;
(iv) tactical disengagement;
(v) sanctity and preservation of life;
(vi) investigating and critiquing a law enforcement officer incident of use of force; and
(vii) the legal foundations and limitations on law enforcement officer authority under the Utah Constitution or laws of the state and the United States Constitution or laws of the United States.
(c) The attorney general shall work with state and local agencies to ensure the most effective use of resources in providing training for law enforcement officers throughout the state.
(3) The attorney general may employ staff necessary to implement the training center created under this section.
Enacted by Chapter 412, 2016 General Session
Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title67/Chapter5/67-5-S35.html?v=C67-5-S35_2016051020160510Fetched: 10/26/2026