Being named in a civil suit seeking punitive damages can cause an officer to question his abilities, second guess decisions, and possibly hesitate before taking appropriate action. Many police departments respond reactively to civil litigation, resulting in fragmented training and lack of integration. Law enforcement agencies often wait until a suit has been filed to begin investigating the incident in question, thereby increasing chances that evidence normally available for defense of a public entity will be lost. The San Bernardino County (California) Sheriff's Department has instituted two programs to increase officer safety and decrease civil liability. The Use of Force Training and Qualification Program provides training and practice in both cognitive and manipulative skills that pertain to use of force. Issues covered in the training include departmental philosophy and policies, force options and escalation- deescalation of force, tactical communications, passive and active countermeasures, intermediate weapons, and lethal force. The Use of Force Response Team and Use of Force Reporting Form are key to obtaining evidence and documenting all aspects of the incident for use in court.