NCJ Number
112811
Date Published
1987
Length
469 pages
Annotation
This is the final report of a New York State commission that examined the use and misuse of deadly force by the State's law enforcement officers, including recommendations for legislative, executive, and administrative changes.
Abstract
To examine the issue, the commission conducted surveys, held public hearings, reviewed relevant studies and data, and conducted interviews with appropriate persons. The commission found neither systemic nor pervasive misuse of deadly or physical force by New York State police officers. Indeed, available information suggests that officers are generally restrained in the use of such force. Black and Hispanic officers are as likely to use, or refrain from using, deadly or physical force as white officers. The preponderance of evidence suggests that the officer's decision to use deadly force is based primarily on the threat perceived by the officer and not by the racial characteristics of the opponent or the officer. Commission recommendations focus on changes in laws, regulations, and policies designed to reduce further the police misuse of force. A substantial number of the recommendations address significant factors contributing to community misconceptions that police misuse of deadly and physical force is more prevalent than it actually is. Appended supplementary materials, reports, and studies; 170-item bibliography.