Avoiding deadly force: Ride-along with CSPD

A Colorado Springs police officer is recovering after he was assaulted, according to police.

Officers say 23-year-old Gregory Herring punched the officer and ran away after he was pepper-sprayed Monday night.

Herring was then chased down by a police dog and hit with a stun gun. Then Herring was arrested.
Although the arrest turned violent, the Police Department says no shots were fired, and multiple steps were taken to avoid deadly force.

KRDO NewsChannel 13 took a ride with police officer Darren Sweitzer, who’s patrolled the streets of Colorado Springs for nearly two decades.

Sweitzer said officers need to be prepared to use their weapon during every shift.

“It definitely weighs on an officer’s mind,” said Sweitzer.

With officer-involved shootings making national headlines, KRDO asked if police are under greater scrutiny.

“Absolutely, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, we should be held to a higher standard,” said Sweitzer.

Sweitzer said deadly force is always the last option and officers are trained to use all of their tools first.

“Probably the most important tool an officer has is his verbal and communication skills,” said Sweitzer.

Sweitzer also believes that support for police has grown in Colorado Springs.

This week cards entitled, “We Appreciate Blue” were dropped off at the police station.
The cards were left by an anonymous family. They read, “Thank you for all that you do! Always remember that there are many people who appreciate what you do and realize how scary this world would be without you.”