Police Use of Force

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the use of force by police officers is a serious issue both for the police and for the community they serve and protect. It looks at how the Constitution's Fourth Amendment protects us from excessive force during an arrest, but since our police officers often have to deal with suspects willing to go to great lengths, including using deadly force, to evade arrest, it is inevitable that police will have to use force. It analyzes how it may be considered a balancing act: police are entitled to handcuff suspects to maintain control even if the person is later cleared. It looks at how the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that use of force is central to law enforcement.

From the Paper:

"The police have to walk a fine line, particularly in communities where excessive force or even police brutality have been an issue in the past. Particularly in sensitive communities, the perception of excessive force can be enough to trigger public outcries and demonstrations even when it is ultimately shown that the police officers acted with restraint given the circumstances they faced at the time. The Department of Justice has prepared a booklet for use by community police departments titled Police Use of Excessive Force: A conciliation Handbook for the Police and the Community. They make the point that communities must believe that justice will prevail if they are to have confidence in their police force (DOJ, 2002)."

More papers on Police Use of Force:

• Analytical Essay # 105929 : "Police Use of Force"
• Analytical Essay # 142755 : "Police Use of Force Policies"
• Article Review # 106735 : "Police Use of Force"

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