NCJ Number
96875
Date Published
1978
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Discussions of police use of deadly force should focus on whether the exercise of deadly force was necessary and part of the officer's duty rather than on whether it was excusable within the sphere of what was permissible or authorized.
Abstract
Police have the right to defend themselves, and they also have the duty to exercise that right. Their duty to use deadly force in defense of their own lives is augmented by the fact that they have a duty to defend the lives of others. No other public officials are either empowered or required to intervene forcibly with their own bodies to defend life, property, and the public order. However, far from being routine in police work, the use of force is the final option. Skill, judgment, and knowledge all go toward solving problems without having to resort to the use of deadly force. In cases of riots and insurrections, it would be preferable to turn over the problem to other agencies, such as the National Guard or State police forces. Responses to audience questions are included in this transcript, which contains a gap due to a malfunction in taping.