Abstract This paper addresses the problem of excessive force used by police officers, a constant concern of the worldwide community, government, political entities and police officers for decades. The alternative to excessive force that the paper presents is intermediateforce, which allows officers to capture suspects with the least amount of injury when force is required and ensure their own safety as well. The paper concludes that training and monitoring of law enforcement officers in the intermediate use of force, weaponry, and tactics will provide all police departments with more positive outcomes and ensure that the safety and protection of the society is achieved successfully. The paper includes detailed tables showing examples of force used and charts of assailant/officer action, mapping out the legitimate amount of force to be used.
From the Paper "In 2002 the city of Detriot, Michigan underwent an investigation regarding police use of force and found that no definitions of force or the procedures that specified types of force were found in the city regulations ("Investigation", 2002, sec. 1). This led to multiple cases of excessive force that were reported to the city, civil rights organizations and the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. In addressing these concerns, the city attorney advised that the police department of Detroit develop stages of force that were applied to different situations, with intermediate force being a vital inclusion in those stages ("Investigations", 2002, sec. 1). The city attorney stated that intermediate force was significant because it allowed police to use chemical sprays and weapons other than guns as a means of maintaining peace and ensuring that arrests were made."
Abstract The paper speaks about a community-based strategy, that alows police to trust citizens and citizens to trust, in contrast to traditonal authoritarian modes of policing. The paper explores several models of community-based policing in the world, with a focus on Jamaica.
From the Paper "In recent times, community-based policing, especially in the Western World, particularly in the United States and the UK, has been the preferred way of crime fighting. It has been accepted, however, that because of the differences in cultures, politics and economic infrastructure of societies, there may be some problems in introducing some of these measures that are designed to be more "people-oriented". Nevertheless, while resources may be one problem along with political and economic differences, there is also that problem of social acceptance of measures to be imported into a culture where the citizenry are wary of the intentions of the police force, as in Jamaica."
Tags: Constabulary, Force, Crime, Management, Unit, authoritarian, Anglophone
Abstract This paper discusses how the same leadership principles and skills that have been used to turn inefficient private organizations and military units into flourishing and effective ones can be used to transform police departments into dynamic and successful environments. It describes how many ineffective police practices have evolved and what must be done to change these management practices. It also looks at various leadership styles and how new policies can be implemented.
From the Paper "Police department officials play a large role in implementing new leadership practices. They must learn the basic leadership skills, such as patience, understanding, fairness, and judgment, and recognize that leadership is a crucial aspect of successful management. In addition, they must learn to let go of past and dated practices, such as public criticism, tactlessness, and unfairness, which are detrimental to police departments today. While many police leaders perceive themselves as being tough and authoritative, they must show consideration, caring, and loyalty to their employees. These are the values that produce positive results, including a higher degree of employee motivation and morale, and ultimately, more effective organizations."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in the United States, laws get enforced by police agencies from cities, states, and the federal government. To be able to enforce laws and make arrests, police officers have the authority to use force. The writer notes that in some situations, they can use deadly force. However, there are strict rules for applying force in policing. The writer discusses that the type of force used must be right for the right circumstances. Using the wrong kind of force or too much force can make the city or state responsible for damage to the arrested person, even when he is guilty and needed to be arrested. It can also make the police agency and the officer personally responsible. The writer concludes that police officers are allowed to use force, but they must use the right type of force for every situation.
Outline:
Introduction
The Use of Force Continuum
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many times, other methods are supposed to be used first on the UOFC before strong hands on methods. Police officers on patrol usually have a spray such as pepper spray or mace and they can use these sprays instead of going from verbal commands or light hands on to strong hands on. This level on the UOFC is good for officers if there are more people than officers and also where the person is much bigger or stronger than the officer. Before officers are allowed to use spray methods, they have to take a course for spray certification and part of the course is getting sprayed so they will know how people react to it and how much is too much spray."
Abstract This paper presents a thorough analysis of how police training on deadly force affects the incidences and use of deadly force. The paper asserts that the literature clearly demonstrates that the current police system does have serious problems with police use of deadly force but research also suggests that the right training mechanism for use of deadly force can lead to better outcomes for society. The paper then presents a comprehensive analysis of how police training on deadly force affect the incidences and use of deadly force. The paper also identifies the internal and external factors that affect the effectiveness of police training on deadly force.
Outline:
Principles of an effective training strategy
literature structure
methodology
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "There is the common misconception that any training program aimed at conflict resolution and negotiation is simple about combating terrorism or social disorder. As can be clearly seen from the eight principles outlined, the training program for the police on deadly force has to surpass combating terrorism and social disorder, but has to have an overarching aim of promoting full-fledged peace initiatives and combating all aspects of any activity that poses a threat to society's safety."
Abstract According to "Newsweek", policing is one of the top ten stressful occupations in the United States. This paper goes into the manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder, including its history. It includes statistical information concerning how police officers deal with stress and the advantages of a department having a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program.
From the Paper "In addition to flashbacks, PTSD manifests itself psychologically in many ways. Often the disorder will plague sufferers with sleep problems, including nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. Also, sufferers may experience an instability in emotions, which is seen when a person with PTSD is emotionally numb one moment, and has an outburst in the next. Further, depression and guilt feelings are very common where people believe they should have, or could have prevented the disaster (Sapolsky)."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts policing in America and Canada. It looks at the nature of the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceForce in Canada as a national policeforce, compared to the U.S. which does not have a national policeforce. The paper concludes that policing in the United States and Canada are similar in some ways and yet are very different in others.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Policing in the United States
Prisons in the United States
Policing in Canada
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the Justice Watchdog website, the United States "incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country of the world." (2007) Privatization of the prison system has created new incentives which result in private groups attempting to impact politics, politicians and laws passed down by the courts because the more prisoners needing a prison cell the more money the privatized penal system is able to collect. One of the largest market pools for private prison corporations are non-violent offenders and the large majority of these being drug offense which have mandatory minimum sentencing and which are the focus of longer sentencing terms than even for murder and other much more heinous crimes. Among the 37 states who have legalized prisoners being contracted for work are corporate stockholders who "have lobbied successfully for longer sentences, in order to expand their workforce." (Justice Watchdog, 2007)"
This paper analyzes the issue of police brutality while also discussing the role of the media in depicting cases of unwarranted excessive force on the part of law enforcement officers.
Abstract This paper examines the use of excessive policeforce primarily among minorities. This paper discusses the various reasons excessive force not only occurs but continues to grow at an alarming rate. This paper contains data and statistics relevant to this particular topic. This paper discusses the issue of police brutality from the point of view of law enforcement officers who insist that excessive force is used in less than 1% of contacts with civilians and suspects. This paper also delves into this issue from the point of view of African-Americans who contend that police brutality is significantly higher than the claims made by law enforcement officers. The writer analyzes the systematic biases that are present when debating this controversial topic. This paper discusses the fact that officers are rarely convicted for improper use of violence which indirectly contributes to this growing problem. This paper examines the role of the media in depicting police brutality while also detailing the case of Tyisha Miller, a young black woman killed by police in California.
Table of Contents:
A National Pattern
Systemic Bias
Media Ownership
Works Cited
From the Paper "Many members of various minority groups feel that they are unfairly targeted, especially with regard to the use of excessive force and the differences that white and black residents ascribe to these incidents. In many cases, such as the cases of Wilson and Oregon, the incidents are sparked by non-violent offenses. In addition to fatal shootings, many police officers are also resorting to the use of TASER or stun guns, in situations which were previously resolved without the use of force. Statistics from the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida, for example, show a stunning increase in the use of TASERS. In 2000, there were only three reported uses of TASER guns. a mere two years later, that figure jumped to 295."
Abstract This paper examines three alternatives and their potential to thwart the unjustified use of excessive force by police officers. The alternatives are additional specialized training for police officers, use of a "force" form and the use of a police psychologist. It looks at how these alternatives are in actuality feasible and recognized ways to help control and prevent the use of excessive force by police officers.
Outline
Decision Making Criteria
Feasibility
Alternative 1 - Specialized Training
Alternative 2- Use of Force Form
Alternative 3 - Police Psychologist
From the Paper "Over the past few years, however, greater attention has been given to the issue. Recent research has identified multiple determinants of the use of excessive force, raising questions about whether police departments should rely exclusively on pre-employment screening to identify violence-prone candidates and predict future officer performance. In fact, two reports that followed the Rodney King beating-the 1991 report of the Independent Commission To Study the Los Angeles Police Department and the 1992 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Report by James G. Kolt and staff-questioned the effectiveness of existing psychological screening to predict propensity for violence (Scrivner, 1994)."
Abstract The paper explores the role of race in police use of force. The paper explains what is necessary force vs. excessive force and discusses the conditions under which excessive force is permissible. The paper also discusses police attitudes toward African Americans and other minorities.
From the Paper "Few people would argue about the statement that police officers have a tough job. Law enforcement officers must deal with some of the worst problems in our society. Police also have a significant amount of discretion and power which some abuse. Critics of police abuse suggest that one of the most effective tools for dealing with police abuse of power is the existence of an independent watchdog agency empowered to handle citizen complaints and armed with enough power to publish its findings and enforce its recommendations."
Tags: The, role, of, race, in, police, use, of, force
Abstract This paper discusses the level of crime in Britain and the dissatisfaction that much of the population feels towards the police. The paper first discusses the major cause of dissatisfaction with the police and skepticism among the people as to police effectiveness. The paper then looks at accountability and leadership within the police departments and particularly focuses on the transformational leadership style.
From the Paper "A group of more than 150 senior police officers in the highest ranks was interviewed (Department of Criminology 2006). The research found that there were a few excellent and some good leaders in the service, but the desired traits of leadership were sorely lacking in them. The Home Office's published research on the styles of leadership most valued by police officers themselves revealed that most of the qualities valued were consistent with those under the transformational leadership. However, not much is known about the impact of leadership styles on the moral and performance of officers. Hence, there is not much to rely on to effect change. They were neither explicit about the management style they wanted nor have they incorporated these into the every aspect of the human resources arm of the organization (Department of Criminology). Nonetheless, transformational leadership is the style that comes closest to the ideal to this day."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that in addition to there being differences between the ways in which the position of Chief of Police is handled from one jurisdiction to the next, and between cities and county areas, there are also consistent differences between the functional role of the Chief of Police in a "big city" versus a "small town." The writer points out for example, that in a small town, the Chief of Police may be the only real police officer. In this case, a paid Chief of Police would have a staff of volunteers to help with paperwork and other duties. The writer notes that in contrast, in a big city, the Chief of Police is the boss of many thousands of sworn police officers that serve on the force, as well as thousands of other paid civil employees that work for the police department. In this paper the writer looks at the various roles of the Chief of Police.
From the Paper "According to Javert Wilkinson, a police officer that has served in both a Northern city and a Southern small town, there are very notable differences between the job roles of a Chief of Police in each environment. In a small town, the Chief of Police is like the captain of a larger police department, and he directly supervises the officers that are actually going out on the street. In a small town, the Chief of Police is also likely in charge of administrative decisions, such as what kinds of cars and guns to buy and in what quantity. The small town Chief of Police often also has to secure funding from the local government to run the police force. He would also probably have field supervisors report to him, but he would not spend much time out of the office or on the street, unless it was a very small town in which there very few or no other police officers. However, in a big city, the Chief of Police is more a politician than a street cop."
Abstract The paper explains how Sir Robert Peel ushered in modern policing by establishing an ethical system for the police. The paper explains that while there have been significant changes in police work since Peel's time, his principles remain the foundation for modern police ethical systems. The paper identifies the nine principles, which include the primary function of police, public approval of police actions, the public in voluntary observance of the law and how physical force lessens public co-operation. The principles also discuss impartial service to the law, inappropriate use of physical force, how police are not separate from the public but part of the public, separation of the police and judiciary and finally, the test of police efficiency. The paper concludes that these principles continue to guide the actions of modern law enforcement agencies.
From the Paper "Peel's first principle states: "the basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder." (New Westminster Police Service, 2006). The primary function of police today continues to be the prevention of crime. The successful resolution of unsolved crimes can aid in crime prevention, because most crimes are committed by recidivists. Therefore, the fact that modern police spend much of their time solving crimes does not detract from the fact that the basic mission of the police is crime prevention."
Abstract This paper examines the history of police corruption with mention of scandals such as Tammany Hall and looks at how today, in comparison, the police are a model of integrity and civil service commitment with police misconduct and corruption by far the exception rather than the rule. The paper also looks at the laws concerning police conduct and excessive force and examines and Miranda rights.
Outline:
Introduction
Excessive Force Unlawful Tactics and Police Procedures
Miranda
Conclusion
From the Paper "Contemporary police misconduct in the context of the UOF continuum and excessive force arises most often in relation to reactionary escalation of force rather than in connection with the intentional application of force as a means of so-called "street justice" administered by police officers in the manner that was common in previous eras of policing (Black 1971). Like widespread corruption of the speakeasy era of American law enforcement, street justice is no longer employed in American law enforcement, and specific exceptions that come to light are dealt with swiftly and appropriately, often resulting in official sanctions, dismissal, and criminal charges brought against officers who purposely misuse their authority in this manner."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that policing today is a very complex and dangerous service provided to an often inconsiderate and ungrateful community. The writer focuses on the community of Macom and its policeforce. The problems as they are currently experienced are explored and analyzed in order to make recommendations and suggest improvements. The writer maintains that Macom's problem is two-fold: the drop in morale in the policeforce as a result of the rising crime rates, and the increasing fearfulness of the community for the same reason. The writer concludes that the Macom police department should concentrate on programs to nurture its youth via wholesome activities and educational programs, while at the same time building its community relations by cultivating positive relationships with all community leaders.
Outline:
Introduction
Primary Mission of Macom Police Department
Table 1: Community and Police relationship in Macom
The Crime Rate and Police Strategy
Table 2: Criminal Activity Among the Youth and Ethnic Minority
Policing Philosophy and Strategies
Civil Liberties
From the Paper " A clear mission statement is vitally important in any business environment. It is particularly important for a service provider such as the police department, as more is involved than a financial bottom line. The police functions within a community. The department's effectiveness within any specific community is integrated with the community's perception of the department. If a community for example believes that the police is corrupt or biased, there will be an innate distrust whenever the police attempt to enforce the law. Such negativity also makes it difficult to implement strategies such as community policing. The police are then seen as a kind of heavy-handed parent or school master, assuming guilt and taking no great pains to prove innocence before punishing."
