Mary Erlingson and Tara Johnston Mahaffey attended the 2024 DRI Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar held last week in Phoenix, AZ. Mary had the privilege to co-present the “The Science of Use-of Force” session with Mark W. Kroll and Jaime Borden. Mark, a biomedical scientist, has focused his career on biomedical issues surrounding the use of force. During the presentation he delved into the many issues a lawyer faces when defending a claim that arises when there has been a non-firearm arrest related death. Jaime discussed the various factors at play when there has been a Use of Force, including psychological and environmental conditions, the limitations of video evidence, and departmental factors that impact decision making.
: Mary and Tara are pictured with Ann Trivett, Moderator of the Ethics session, and Tricia Ambrose, Program Vice Chair of the 2024 Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar and upcoming Chair for the 2025 Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar in San Antonio in February 2025.