NCJ Number
188150
Date Published
2001
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This report reviewed all aspects of police use of force under the establishment of the Canadian's Use of Force Committee. The Committee examined ways to reduce the necessity for the application of deadly force, without compromising officer safety and reported their findings and recommendations to the public.
Abstract
The use of deadly force by police in recent years has come under closer scrutiny by police and the community. In 1997, the Toronto Police Service established the Use of Force Committee whose work was based on the foundation of officer and community safety. The Committee conducted extensive research into police use of force by contacting many other police agencies in Canada, the United States and Australia. In addition, literature, academic studies, correspondence, books and publications associated with the use of deadly force, less lethal weapons, and dealing with emotionally disturbed persons were reviewed. A survey was conducted of front line officers, as well as data collected on officer involved shootings in Toronto during the past 10 years. A broad spectrum of issues were identified which included the nature and availability of rules and directives, training and equipment, service resources and support, community and professional resources and support, and reliable internal information and data. These issues were considered in the context of available, practical alternatives to police use of force, and particularly the use of deadly force. The Committee responded to the following six areas, known as Terms of Reference: (1) Development of and Compliance with Rules and Directives; (2) Supervision; (3) Development and Implementation of Appropriate Training; (4) Identification of Less Lethal Force Options; (5) Dealing with Emotionally Disturbed Persons; and (6) Expansion of Emergency Task Force Special Weapons Teams. The Committee's work found that experiences faced by their organization, in relation to officer involved shootings, mirror those of other law enforcement agencies, validating the research and methods of the Committee. The findings were reported by proposing 31 recommendations, grouped according to the Terms of Reference. The Committee reported the potential for some of the recommendations to be implemented immediately with minimal impact on the operating budget, with the remaining having financial implications affecting scheduling. The Committee felt, the recommendations if implemented, would enhance officer and community safety and promote public confidence in law enforcement.