ASPECTS OF A POLICY TO LIMIT THE USE OF FIREARMS

• NCJ Number: 18681
• Journal: Texas Police Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1975) Pages: 2-7,21
• Author(s): K R MCCREEDY; J L HAGUE
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: Texas Police Assoc
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: REPRINT FROM POLICE CHIEF

Annotation

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THE POLICY DECISION CONCERNING THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE MUST BE MADE IS DISCUSSED IN RELATION TO THE AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVE POLICIES.

Abstract

POLICE ADMINISTRATION POLICIES RANGING FROM HAVING UNARMED OFFICERS TO GIVING ARMED OFFICERS FULL DISCRETION ARE EXAMINED. THE MAJOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE POLICYMAKING DECISION AND THE ROLES THEY PLAY ARE IDENTIFIED AND DISCUSSED. OTHER ISSUES, SUCH AS THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE POLICY DECISION IS MADE, THE GAP BETWEEN ACTUAL AND STATED POLICY, THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE POLICY, AND THE PREDICTABILITY OF OFFICER CONTACTS WITH OTHERS ARE ALSO CONSIDERED. THE AUTHORS SUGGEST THAT THE MOST APPROPRIATE POLICY IS ONE WHICH SEVERELY LIMITS THE USE OF DISCRETION WHILE ACKOWLEDGING THE POSSIBILITY OF EXCEPTIONS. THEY ALSO EXAMINE THE ISSUES RAISED BY SUCH A POLICY (IN WHICH THE USE OF FIREARMS IS LIMITED TO ESSENTIALLY LIFE OR DEATH SITUATIONS), SUCH AS WHO REVIEWS THE INCIDENT AND METHODS OF DETERMINING VIOLATIONS OF POLICY.