NCJ Number
100008
Date Published
1985
Length
274 pages
Annotation
This 1985 report to the New York Governor on the police use of deadly force sets the issue within the context of police-community relations, examines data collection problems, discusses legal controls and administrative policies, and considers police encounters with special citizen populations such as the mentally ill.
Abstract
This study used a literature review, a survey of other States, and a survey of selected New York law enforcement agencies. The study found a perception among blacks and Hispanics that police are more apt to use deadly force against minorities than nonminorities. There was also a lack of statistical information on the police use of deadly force. The study concludes that current New York statutes governing police use of deadly force are among the most restrictive in the Nation. Some restrictions, however, are believed to hamper the prosecution of criminal cases against officers. Police are noted to have frequent contact with mentally ill and emotionally disturbed persons, with many such encounters having the potential for the use of force. Many New York police agencies are noted to lack precise policies and enforcement mechanisms regarding officers' use of deadly force. Recommendations are offered in the areas of police-minority relations, statistical reporting, legal controls, administrative policies and personnel practices, and police interactions with mentally ill or emotionally disturbed persons. Appendixes contain study instruments and model policies on police use of deadly force.