Developing and Implementing a Use-of-Force Policy (From Use of Force: Current Practice and Policy, P 91-111, 1999, Craig Hemmens, Eugene Atherton, eds., -- See NCJ-196798)

• NCJ Number: 196803
• Author(s): Darrell L. Ross Ph.D.
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Assoc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter details the importance of correctional facilities developing and implementing use-of-force policies.

Abstract

Presenting details concerning the importance of correctional facilities developing and implementing use-of-force policies, this chapter discussing the legal necessity of policy. Arguing that correctional institution policies provide the public with an idea of where the agency stands concerning issues of force and accountability, the author presents a series of recommendations for correctional agencies that are formulating policies. Arguing that policy implementation is best achieved if a series of pre-designed steps is taken, this chapter argues for a policy team, a work plan, a structure concerning use of force, a policy draft, revising and reviewing the policy, assembling and distributing the policy, and training various personnel in policy components. In order to effectively implement and apply correctional policies, using force report and supervisory incident report forms, as well as use-of-force statistical tracking systems is necessary as well. Once the policy is in place, the author strongly supports future evaluation, reviews, and revisions of the policy based on continuing correctional institution research and past experience.