ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses statutory law and case law provides the broad parameters for policies addressing, among other things, the use of force by public safety personnel. As an empirical matter, the use of force by law enforcement is considered infrequent. Use of force certainly remains the most consequential embodiment of this discretion and is appropriately guided by law and administrative policy. Different governmental, research, and professional organizations have designed and recommended use of force policies. Some include utilizing a use of force continuum to help explain force dynamics and subject and officer actions and responses. Research that examines the components of force policies across agencies highlights the inconsistency of definitions and the varying use of court interpretations and continuum. Policy must be incorporated into training curricula for the use of force. The opinions expressed in court cases vary as to aspects of the appropriateness of use of force by employees within the criminal justice system.
