NCJ Number
75353
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This instructional packet on California Penal Code procedures for police officers on the use of deadly force and in the evaluation of the use of deadly force by private citizens contains an audio cassette tape, a filmstrip, and paper and pencil tests.
Abstract
The California Penal Code legitimizes peace officer homicide in (1) executions, (2) in overcoming resistance to the execution of legal processes relating to felonies, or (3) in retaking escaped felons or in arresting persons charged with felonies. Any person may commit homicide to (1) prevent the murder of any person, (2) to prevent great bodily harm to any person, (3) in defense of habitation, property, or person, (4) in self-defense or in the defense of others, (5) in the apprehension of a person for a committed felony, (6) in the suppression of a riot, or (7) in keeping the peace. Police officers must be prepared to use deadly force, but must exhaust all other alternatives before doing so. Officers must be prepared to show the necessity for its use. Officers must help private citizens understand the necessity for withholding the use of force unless necessary and the consequences of maintaining loaded weapons in their homes. Private citizens acting under necessary fear provisions must have been solely under the influence of conditions necessary to incite the fears of a reasonable person. The packet is designed for individualized instruction and includes a workbook with test materials and additional activities and an instructor's test answer key.