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Police-Citizen Violence - An Organizing Guide for Community Leaders

NCJ Number
91639
Date Published
1983
Length
99 pages
Annotation
The excessive use of deadly force by police is a problem that threatens public support for law enforcement. A sensible, responsible deadly force policy for all police officers is required immediately.
Abstract
Police officers should be allowed to use deadly force only in defense of life, and only as a last resort when no other means are available to protect innocent persons or the police officers against imminent, grievous physical injury or death. This guide provides citizens with current and reliable information about police aggression -- the use of force and deadly violence by police officers. This will allow citizens to take responsible and effective actions to curb unnecessary police use of lethal force. The text defines police aggression, gives statistics on victims of police deadly force, and explains what citizens should do if they encounter a potentially volatile situation with police. Controls on police use of deadly force are examined, including State laws, departmental policies, municipal ordinances, and public opinion. Approaches for citizens to use to end the problem of excessive use of deadly force focus on citizen participation, investigating police misconduct, data collection and analysis, and creating a community coalition. Resource materials to assist coalition efforts include National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) models on use of deadly force designed for States, localities, and police departments; three case studies in policy changes (New York City, Kansas City, and Seattle); exercise in analyzing police use of deadly force; data gathering forms; a 25-item bibliography; and a list of recommended readings. Illustrations are provided.