NCJ Number
184106
Journal
MLE Bulletin Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 12-15
Editor(s)
Russ Bowen
Date Published
September 1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The U.S. Coast Guard is authorized to use all necessary force to compel compliance but must use the minimum force necessary; this article assess use of force reports filed by the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1998.
Abstract
The Coast Guard law enforcement program is unique, in part because the demographics of its boarding teams change constantly and the teams operate in a variety of environments. Data collected in fiscal year 1998 that the use of force was exercised by junior personnel in the majority of cases. There was an increasing trend in the occurrence of violence from migrants, especially in Chinese and Cuban migrant cases. The migrant interdiction mission was the most active in terms of use of force. While reasons for using force varied, more than 25 percent of cases involved an intoxicated subject. Weapons drawn and handcuffing were the most frequent types of force used. Several boardings resulted in force that involved agents from other law enforcement agencies. There were no typical or routine instances requiring the use of force. Based on the use of force reports, the author recommends maritime law enforcement training reflect the diversity of the situations faced by the Coast Guard. 3 tables and 1 figure