Managing Police Use of Force: Policy and Training Issues for Administrators

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to conduct an examination of the information on police and use of force related issues. After outlining the research questions and methodology used in this research, the examination began with an extensive review of the literature regarding: the role and purpose of the police as an agency authorized to use coercive force; the ethical dilemmas of policing a democratic society; the dynamics if police-citizen encounters; and the use of force by police in America. By exploring the debate regarding the police role, and using the knowledge gained from research that has already been conducted in the field, this in-depth literature review provides the reader with a more comprehensive understanding of the problems associated with policing in America. <p>The second part of this examination included a review of the laws and liability issues related to the use of force by police; an investigation of court cases that have been decided on municipal liability, use of force, and police training; and an analysis of the Michigan Force Continuum. This examination provided the foundation for suggestions to administrators regarding use-of-force policy and training issues.