NCJ Number
80608
Journal
Tijdschrift voor de politie Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (1978) Pages: 38-43
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The second part of a study on the ethics of applying force discusses the nature of force and control of force in the context of preventive action by the police.
Abstract
Force is defined as a physical or psychological attempt to influence the behavior of other individuals. Force is linked to aggression, which may result from in-born tendencies, frustration, or imitation of behavior in the environment. Aggression may be constructive, resulting in positive action or self-defense, or destructive, producing hostile or impulsive, explosive behavior. Force is a means of exercising power. Police officers must take care that their authority and official power are not used to justify expression of personal discontent and powerlessness. Police officers must be trained to understand their authority within the context of professional ethics and to exercise the authority responsibly. Inexperienced police officers must also learn to use caution and control in their work. In this way, they can avoid reacting to personal feelings when under the pressure which is inherent in police work. Young officers must be taught to reflect critically on the nature of their work and the motives for their actions in performing that work. For the first part of this article, see NCJ 73727. A figure and a 32-item bibliography are supplied.