Use of Deadly Force and Less Than Lethal Force
Running Head: USE OF DEADLY FORCE AND LESS LETHAL POLICY AND TRAINING
Winston Franklin Allen Jr.
CRJ-525
Saint Leo University
Spring 1
USE OF DEADLY FORCE AND LESS LETHAL POLICY AND TRAINING
One of the most difficult decisions a law enforcement officer may have to make is the decision to use deadly force. Our society places a high value on human life and no matter the circumstance; the taking of a human life is frowned upon. Today’s law enforcement officer has been placed under a microscope and every action, word, comment and expression is scrutinized by the public and the media. When the situation dictates the taking of a human life by a law enforcement officer in the line of duty even more emphasis and examination falls upon the officer and the department. Fortunately, because of advancements in technology and training, today’s officer is better trained and afforded a variety of less lethal options when confronted with a use of deadly force situation. Recent events and court decisions has caused departments to re-examine existing policies and training practice in an effort to become more compliant with national trends involving the use of deadly force and less lethal confrontations. A recent event within my own department has given rise to policy revision and training methods. No matter how clear cut a situation involving deadly force may seem there will always be doubt and skepticism relating to the actions of the officer and the position of the department. Due to this recent event, our department will take a closer look at the use of deadly force policy, the equipment utilized, the cost associated with the equipment, less lethal options and the training necessary to reduce liability and insure that department in is line with the national trend in use of force decisions and training. The overall goal of the department is to insure the safety of the officers, reduce and or prevent issues of liability and preserve human life to the
Winston Franklin Allen Jr.
CRJ-525
Saint Leo University
Spring 1
USE OF DEADLY FORCE AND LESS LETHAL POLICY AND TRAINING
One of the most difficult decisions a law enforcement officer may have to make is the decision to use deadly force. Our society places a high value on human life and no matter the circumstance; the taking of a human life is frowned upon. Today’s law enforcement officer has been placed under a microscope and every action, word, comment and expression is scrutinized by the public and the media. When the situation dictates the taking of a human life by a law enforcement officer in the line of duty even more emphasis and examination falls upon the officer and the department. Fortunately, because of advancements in technology and training, today’s officer is better trained and afforded a variety of less lethal options when confronted with a use of deadly force situation. Recent events and court decisions has caused departments to re-examine existing policies and training practice in an effort to become more compliant with national trends involving the use of deadly force and less lethal confrontations. A recent event within my own department has given rise to policy revision and training methods. No matter how clear cut a situation involving deadly force may seem there will always be doubt and skepticism relating to the actions of the officer and the position of the department. Due to this recent event, our department will take a closer look at the use of deadly force policy, the equipment utilized, the cost associated with the equipment, less lethal options and the training necessary to reduce liability and insure that department in is line with the national trend in use of force decisions and training. The overall goal of the department is to insure the safety of the officers, reduce and or prevent issues of liability and preserve human life to the
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