NCJ Number
145021
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
While violent crime rates are lower in Australia than in many other countries, the level is rising, heightening the probability that police will be forced to use greater levels of force, or more effective forms of force. This trend is occurring simultaneously with public and legislative demands for more care in the exercise of force in order to minimize the threat of serious injury and death.
Abstract
Forms of nonlethal force which are generally acceptable in varying degrees include verbal control, karate kicks, pain compliance, nunchaku, pressure points, miscellaneous bodily force, flashlights, chemical irritant spray, electronic stun devices, and guns which fire tear gas or stun grenades. Unacceptable forms of nonlethal force include beanbag guns, rubber bullets, tranquilizing guns, and electric shock devices requiring direct physical contact. The Situational Force Model, adopted by many agencies in the U.S. and Canada, emphasizes tactical communications and use of the least amount of force necessary to suit the particular circumstances. The framework has options of escalating levels of force and can be modified to suit any agency's force-option policy. This framework replaced the "incremental level of force" concept, under which officers automatically worked from low force levels toward the greatest level for every situation.