NCJ Number
209593
Editor(s)
Joshua A. Ederheimer,
Lorie A. Fridell
Date Published
April 2005
Length
164 pages
Annotation
This report examines the issue of police use of force.
Abstract
The goal of the report is to provide guidance to police executives on how to ensure that force is used by police officers only when it is justified and to guide the development of policies concerning the use of force. Topics include training on the use of force, policy development and enforcement, incident investigations, tools and tactics, and officer support. Articles by a host of authors are embedded within each section and offer unique perspectives and knowledge on the subject matter. Following the introduction in section 1 which introduces international approaches to less-lethal and minimum force options, section 2 focuses on improving use-of-force policies, handling policy enforcement, and training. One article underscores the importance of reducing use-of-force incidents through good hiring practices. Section 3 reviews use-of-force tools, including the use of K-9 units, taser research, and an examination of whether non-lethal weapons prevent lethal outcomes. Section 4 focuses on how to handle the aftermath of a use-of-force incident, particularly on relations between law enforcement and the community and investigative and tactical assessments. While the particular use-of-force issues that police executives will have to grapple with may change over time, the issue will forever remain; it is hoped that this report will facilitate the sharing of knowledge in this regard so that police professionals may learn from one another. Footnotes, references