Border Patrol issues lethal force directive after shootings

Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY1 p.m. EST March 7, 2014


(Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Directive follows highly publicized shootings
  • Fisher says patrol will use 'alternative methodologies'


WASHINGTON — Following a series of disputed shootings, the U.S. Border Patrol issued a new lethal force directive Friday which prohibit agents from shooting at moving vehicles and at rock-throwing assailants except in instances when the threat could be deadly.

The announcement comes after a highly critical review of dozens of shooting incidents during a two-year period in which some agents allegedly stepped in front of vehicles to justify firing their weapons and also fired on rock throwers across the border into Mexico.

Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher said agents would be immediately urged to use "alternative methodologies,'' including calls for back-up support to deal with the potential risks.

"As our operational environment changes, we too must change, adapting our methods in executing our border security mission, while minimizing risk to ourselves and others,'' Fisher said in the directive.

"We must continually assess our policies, tactics, procedures, training and equipment available to our agents to appropriately mitigate risk.''

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...ctive/6169011/