NCJ Number
214290
Date Published
2003
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This book reviews and examines U.S. Supreme Court and Federal appellate court decisions related to the use of force or deadly force by law enforcement officers.
Abstract
Over the years decisions pertaining to the use of force by Federal, State, and law enforcement officers have been handed down by the United States Supreme Court and lower Federal appellate courts. Through many U.S. Supreme Court decisions, constitutional standards have been created regarding police use of force and deadly force with the lower Federal appellate decisions interpreting and applying these standards. The decisionmaking process leading to the use of deadly force is one of the most profound experiences of a police officer’s life. In a succinct and easy-to-understand format, this book aids officers in learning these constitutional standards of deadly force, examining the elements of the “dangerousness component” (threats with weapons and threatened or actual serious bodily harm), preparing to evaluate the “necessity component” (use of deadly force only when necessary), and in understanding the Federal Deadly Force Policy of “imminent danger” (the immediate or instantaneous danger of death or serious physical injury). In addition, the book offers an understanding of an objectively reasonable officer. This is an officer who has been trained regarding the constitutional standards pertaining to the use of deadly force. The training involves understanding the concept of action versus reaction, fleeing armed suspects, and wounding factors.