NCJ Number
144553
Date Published
1994
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a theoretical model of police use of excessive force for the purpose of scientific assessment.
Abstract
The causal model includes a rhetorical argument that justifies the propositions and presents a parsimonious conceptual structure for assessment. The fundamental components of the model are the operationalization of police brutality through an abuse-of-authority typology, presentation of a causal paradigm, and the identification of control mechanisms for abusive behavior. The theoretical model therefore permits the researcher to measure both the various behaviors and the differential behavioral products. The typology views brutality as a behavioral product of a broader systemic phenomenon wherein the officer exercises illegitimate (or abusive) authority. In such cases the officer's behavior is inconsistent with law, policy, or normative standards embodied in the officer's defined responsibilities. The tripartite typology consists of physical abuse/excessive force, verbal/psychological abuse, and legal abuse. The causal paradigm is designed to explain both intentional and reactive abusive behavior. Seven generic stressors are identified in the causal paradigm: life-threatening stressors, social isolation stressors, organizational stressors, functional stressors, personal stressors, physiological stressors, and psychological stressors. Strategies to contain abuse are in the areas of personnel selection; training; performance evaluations; open complaint and internal investigation system; public information/education; trouble shooting/preventive programs; and policies, procedures, and organizational control. 1 figure, 30 references, and 5 study questions