How Should Police Officers Use Excessive Force
Police officers are trained in all situations not to use excessive force while using the use of force continuum; however, excessive force should be considered if the situation requires it. Excessive force is frequently used by police. Sometimes it is justified or excessive. Law enforcement officers are authorized to use force in any circumstances. Incidents involving excessive force by police frequently receive attention from the media, legislators and criminal courts (Use of force by police, 1999). Many techniques have been issued to find a solution to the major ethical issues facing policing. The have improved hiring screenings, education, integrity testing, audits, internal affairs model and ethical leadership. None of these techniques
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Law enforcement officers should use the amount of force needed to retain control of the situation; even excessive force. They are protecting themselves, the public and the perpetrator from harm. Excessive force might have been used because the officer feared for his life or the life of others around him. For example, if a person pulls away from an officer making an arrest and snaps and says “Don’t you dare touch me,” the officer can jump to whatever step he feels the use force is necessary (Police use of excessive force, 1999). If the perpetrator is resisting; the officer can also choose to use chemical agents or even a Taser. In some cases, if the suspect strikes an officer, or even is in the act of striking; the officer can legally deliver impacts. Deadly force is used under certain conditions, for example, an officer may use deadly force on an unarmed man who is larger, stronger and attempting to disarm the officer. Another example of justified excessive use of force, if a suspect is fleeing and their escape presents an imminent threat of death or harm to the community; the use of deadly force is justified (Police use of excessive force, 1999). It becomes excessive force when the media just shows footage of the part where the subject is apprehended and he is
Law enforcement officers should use the amount of force needed to retain control of the situation; even excessive force. They are protecting themselves, the public and the perpetrator from harm. Excessive force might have been used because the officer feared for his life or the life of others around him. For example, if a person pulls away from an officer making an arrest and snaps and says “Don’t you dare touch me,” the officer can jump to whatever step he feels the use force is necessary (Police use of excessive force, 1999). If the perpetrator is resisting; the officer can also choose to use chemical agents or even a Taser. In some cases, if the suspect strikes an officer, or even is in the act of striking; the officer can legally deliver impacts. Deadly force is used under certain conditions, for example, an officer may use deadly force on an unarmed man who is larger, stronger and attempting to disarm the officer. Another example of justified excessive use of force, if a suspect is fleeing and their escape presents an imminent threat of death or harm to the community; the use of deadly force is justified (Police use of excessive force, 1999). It becomes excessive force when the media just shows footage of the part where the subject is apprehended and he is