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Managing the Use of ForceManaging the Use of Force

Group B Power Point Presentation

Created on June 10th 2007

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MissionMission

The purpose of this briefing is provide insight into the use of force, research and identify effective ways for leaders to deal with the use of force and its ethical issues.

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OutlineOutline• Definition of the use of force

• Use of Force Training

• Use of Force Continuum

• Leaders Responsibilities

• Officer Responsibilities

• Ethical Concerns

• Use of Force Lawsuits

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OutlineOutline

• Improper Implementation of the use of force

• Training documentation

• Recommendations

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Use of Force DefinitionUse of Force Definition

• The “Use of Force Continuum” is a standard that provides law enforcement officials with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. It is primarily used as a training tool for law officers. It consists of Six Levels.

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Use of Force TrainingUse of Force Training

• Efficient and realistic training develops the Officer’s ability to employ the use of force lawfully.

• Training programs should focus on current information on methods and techniques

• Scenario based training is paramount to providing a realistic training situation

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Use of Force ContinuumUse of Force Continuum

• Presence

• Verbalization

• Compliance Techniques

• Non-Lethal Force

• Lethal Force

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Leader ResponsibilitiesLeader Responsibilities

• Establish a clearly defined policy

• Review all use of force incidents

• Ensure officers receive quality training in the use of force

• Review and update policies

• Set the example and make on the spot corrections

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Officer ResponsibilitiesOfficer Responsibilities

• Thoroughly know and understand use of force policies

• Correctly implement the use of force continuum

• Report all incidents on the use of force

• Treat all citizens with respect and dignity

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Ethical ConcernsEthical Concerns

• Officers must not cross the line and use excessive force

• Small infractions lead to major infractions

• Community cooperation requires strict adherence to proper use of force

• Any infractions breaks the trust and confidence of citizens and the community

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Use of Force LawsuitsUse of Force Lawsuits• Tennessee v. Garner in 1985 leading case

• Excessive use of force is unethical

• Exposes police to civil and criminal liability

• Lawsuits alleging the use of force, can be filed as state claims or federal claims

• Use of force to detain a citizen is a seizure and is thus governed by the 4th Amendment

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Improper use of forceImproper use of force

Officers need to be aware of the State and Federal laws imposed by the Supreme Court and local agency policies which dictate the consequences for Improper Use of Force.

Improper Use of Force will always leave a negative reputation on the officer and their department in the eyes of the communities they serve.

Improper Use Cont.Improper Use Cont.• There will always be a high cost in both medical bills to

victims, and law suits for the officers which will leave a burden on the public in the form of high tax dollars that will be generated to defend officers in lawsuits for issues dealing with Improper Use of Force. 

• Improper Use of Force will never be tolerated by police departments and the community who will ensure that the officer will be brought to justice for any negative actions from improper implementations in the levels of force used against individuals in the course of their duties.

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Training DocumentationTraining Documentation• Ensure all training is properly documented

• Officers must certify on a quarterly basis

for the following:

firearms, non lethal use of force, restraint techniques, defense techniques (PAR/ACTS), handgun retention, situational/resistance control

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• Develop proper use of force policy that follows the continuum

• In depth training, certification and documentation of training on use of force

• Review all use of force incidents

• Take immediate action on violations

• Encourage reporting of violations