Police Use of Force

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Recommended: Arguments for or against police use of force

The police forces in every community are deemed law enforcement officers and have to take necessary precautions in executing their job. Individuals that police officers encounter may at any time threaten the security of the officer or others. Police officers have to follow procedures that are necessary to maintain control of situations that can cause harm to others or property. The three topics that will be discussed in police use of force are; the explanation and background of use of force, limitations of use of force, and disputed court cases dealing with police use of force.

Police use of force can be described as being the "amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject.”(nij.gov, p.1) The stages of force police use are simple verbal and physical restraint, less lethal force and lethal force. Police officers are encouraged to use only enough force necessary to control a situation, arrest the person, or protect themselves or others from harm (p.1). When a situation begins to spiral out of control for the police officers, the next level should be used in order to gain control.

Once the situation is resolved, police officers should make sure the injured receive medical treatment and notify family of any injured individuals (p.1). Levels of force that officers use depend upon the unique situation. Guidelines for use of force can be based on factors, including: federal and state regulations, police department’s experience, law enforcement technology availability, and police and citizen relationship that may exist in a particular jurisdiction (p.1)

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has stated that "…in diffusing situations, apprehending alleged criminals, and in keeping everyone safe...

... middle of paper ...

...if they are detailed to a special unit with minimal supervision, their style may be reinforced. They may perceive that the organization sanctions their behavior. This group would do better in peer counseling than individual counseling. It will then make them part of the solution, rather than part of the problem which may be central to changing their behavior.

Works Cited

Office Of Justice Programs (January 20, 2012) National Institute Of Justice (Police Use of Force

http://www.nij.gov/nij/topics/law-enforcement/officer-safety/use-of-force/welcome.htm

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: COPS COMMUITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES (Use Of Force)

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?Item=1374

Ellen M. Scrivner (October 1994) Controlling Police Use of Excessive Force: The Role of the Police Psychologist

https://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/ppsyc.txt

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