The Nassau Police Benevolent Association has filed a complaint against the county's police department.
The police union says that requiring officers to file reports when physical force is used is a violation of its contract. The union's lawyer says in the complaint that the department has indicated that the forms would be used to evaluate an officer for continued employment. But PBA President James Carver says performance evaluations must first be negotiated with the union.
Carver also says there are hundreds of officers currently on the streets who have not been trained in the use of a Taser, which he called a "side issue" with the department.
According to civil rights attorney Fred Brewington, the use of force forms are critical and should be used by every urban and suburban police force.
Dennis Jones, a retired NYPD detective, says he questions why police would not want the documents since they protect all parties involved.
In a statement, Nassau's assistant police commissioner says, "The county's position is that the police department's policies as to the use of force, including the requirement that an officer complete a form whenever any force is utilized, are entirely lawful and proper."