NCJ Number
161382
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 42 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1996) Pages: 144-156
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article compares correctional deadly force policies and practices with standards governing police use of deadly force, and court actions that might limit such practices and potential consequences of not adopting more restrictive policies prior to court intervention are discussed.
Abstract
In the correctional setting, policy changes are needed to make the authorized use of deadly force more specific and limited. For example, policies should be changed so they are specific to the inmate population at a particular facility. In addition, where correctional facilities house inmates of different classifications, an effort should be made to identify prisoners for whom deadly force is appropriate to prevent an escape and prisoners for whom deadly force is inappropriate. The use of warning shots is contrary to police standards, and the practice has been eliminated by most police departments due to the possibility of harm to innocent people. In the correctional setting, however, warning shots may be appropriate to put prisoners on notice that deadly force may be used against them. Shooting to maim, however, may be contrary to the justification for using deadly force in correctional facilities. If an escaping prisoner is a significant threat to society, all lethal force should be used to prevent his or her escape. Although courts have limited correctional use of deadly force over the past two decades, correctional officers still have more latitude than police officers. 12 references and 4 notes