NCJ Number
174272
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 1998 Pages: 12-24
Date Published
1998
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper examines causes of excessive force by police officers, consequences of excessive force on police organizations and the public, and proactive approaches police managers can use to prevent at-risk police officers from engaging in excessive force.
Abstract
Several factors explain why police officers use excessive force. Psychologists indicate certain police officers are at risk of using excessive force and contend such police officers can be identified during the pre-employment screening process or can be trained. Pre-employment screening and training programs implemented in Kansas and New York reveal show excessive force litigation can be reduced. Pertinent factors that influence police misconduct are noted, legal remedies associated with excessive force are examined, and ways in which excessive force violates constitutional protections and leads to legal liabilities are discussed. Strategies police managers can use to reduce excessive force lawsuits are considered, and particular attention is paid to the use of excessive force in racial and ethnic communities, personality disorders, traumatic job-related experiences, problems of police officers at early stages in their careers, and inappropriate police styles. 48 references