Police Use of Force
Members of the police force are government officials who enforce the laws and maintain social order. They are engaged in a dangerous and stressful occupation that can involve violent situations that must be controlled. In many of their confrontations with the public it may be necessary for the police to administer force to take control of a suspect. Every day, law enforcement officers face danger while carrying out their responsibilities. When dealing with a risky, unpredictable situation, police officers usually have very little time to assess it and determine the proper response. A use of force is an intentional act by a police officer which may cause pain and/or injury to someone for the lawful purpose of controlling their actions. Police enforce social order through the legitimized use of force. Use of force describes the amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject. Police have to use force to subdue suspects every day. A police officer may use force when it is lawfully necessary to control the actions of another person. The five components of force are physical, chemical, electronic, impact, and firearm. To some people though the mere presence of a police officer can be intimidating and seen as use of force.
Police have the right to use force while protecting themselves. That force must be reasonable, justified, and within policy. Good training can enable the officer to react properly to the threat and respond with the appropriate tactics. Force should be used in only the minimum amount needed to achieve a legitimate purpose. In most cases, police officers are legally allowed to partially use force. The amount of force police use should be the minimum amount needed to eliminate the threat presented, thereby minimizing the risk and severity of any injury that may occur. The level of force an officer uses will vary based on the situation.
Reasonable levels of force are guessed by cops on the street,
Police have the right to use force while protecting themselves. That force must be reasonable, justified, and within policy. Good training can enable the officer to react properly to the threat and respond with the appropriate tactics. Force should be used in only the minimum amount needed to achieve a legitimate purpose. In most cases, police officers are legally allowed to partially use force. The amount of force police use should be the minimum amount needed to eliminate the threat presented, thereby minimizing the risk and severity of any injury that may occur. The level of force an officer uses will vary based on the situation.
Reasonable levels of force are guessed by cops on the street,
References: "Police Use of Excessive Force." United States Department of Justice. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.justice.gov/crs/pubs/pdexcess.htm>. Segan, Sascha. "What Is Excessive Force?" ABCNews.com. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://abcnews.go.com/us/story?id=96509>. "Use of Force." COPS Office. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?item=1374>.