Sergeant Russell Lyles reports 70 uses of force over May 2023–March 2025, outlines reporting and alternatives

Sergeant Russell Lyles presented the Police Advisory Commission with use-of-force policy context, legal standards and department data covering May 2023 through March 2025.

Lyles reviewed governing case law and statutes — Graham v. Connor (objective-reasonableness standard), Tennessee v. Garner (limits on deadly force for fleeing felons) and Hayes v. San Diego (consideration of officers' tactical conduct preceding deadly force) — and explained that California Penal Code section 835 and other state requirements codify related standards. "There’s a lot of things to think about anytime we put hands on someone," he said.

He reported that the department handled 47,722 calls for service in the period and recorded 70 uses of force. Of those incidents, the department logged 34 suspect injuries and 17 officer injuries. Lyles said the most common reasons for force were to effect an arrest or to overcome resistance; he gave a breakdown of tactics and outcomes, noting that verbal commands were used in 97% of incidents and that control holds and takedowns accounted for the majority of physical interventions.

Lyles also described reporting and review procedures: use-of-force reports must be prompt, complete and accurate, supervisors conduct interviews and review body-worn camera footage, and administrative review proceeds through a lieutenant and a training committee. He said the department logs complaints and injuries and that serious injuries are rare across the reporting period.

The chief and commissioners discussed alternatives to police response for people in mental-health crises. Lyles described Sierra Wellness, a county-contracted response team that can respond to nonviolent mental-health calls and, in some cases, initiate psychiatric holds without officers present. A department representative added that Sierra Wellness was sponsored by El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency and operates 24/7 in the basin.

Commissioners asked how community members can file complaints about force. Lyles outlined options: contact the watch commander to file a formal complaint at the local department, or file through the POST (peace officer standards) website; he offered to review body-camera footage and discuss tactics directly with callers where appropriate.

The commission did not take formal action on the presentation; commissioners thanked Lyles and indicated ongoing interest in de-escalation training, crisis response and data transparency.