NCJ Number
108033
Date Published
1985
Length
41 pages
Annotation
Federal and State case law and legislation was reviewed to provide a reference and guidelines for the establishment of written policies and procedures for police use of force in State and local jurisdictions in Ohio.
Abstract
This document provides a background discussion of limitations on police authority; types of police force, including deadly force; and public reactions to police force. A summary is provided of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Garner v. Memphis Police Department, which held that police use of deadly force is justified only if necessary to prevent escape and if the officer has probable cause to believe a suspect poses a serious threat to the officer or others. A model use of force policy provides guidelines for the use of deadly force and emphasizes that officers acting within the scope of their employment use only that force which they reasonably believe necessary to effect arrest, detention or mission. Specific model policies cover displaying and use of firearms (including off-duty); equipment requirements; firearms safety; police training and qualifying standards for firearms, moving vehicles, warning shots, and postshooting trauma. Model legislation embodying these guidelines is provided, as is the full text of the opinions in the Garner case. Section references and footnotes.