Officer Use of Lethal Force
The Polk County Attorney has the authority and responsibility to make criminal charging decisions in the use of lethal force by law enforcement officers. The County Attorney has neither administrative authority, nor control, over the personnel of any law enforcement agency in Polk County.
When an officer kills a person in Polk County, the Office will follow a specific protocol to investigate and review the circumstances. A copy of the protocol can be found here.
If criminal charges are not filed, a decision letter describing the factual findings and the legal conclusions is sent to the Police Chief of the involved jurisdiction. Copies of the decision letters are found below:
2023
Jan. 26: Des Moines shooting of Trevontay Jenkins, Dec. 26, 2022
Sept. 6: Pleasant Hill shooting of Bradley Van Heeswyk, Aug. 12
2024