NCJ Number
94147
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1984) Pages: 170-176
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A model representing the wide variety of types and levels of force that a law enforcement officer can use to respond to resistance or a threat of resistance can be useful both in training situations and in analyzing situations in which force was used.
Abstract
The model can be pictorially represented on a coordinate graph. One scale shows the level of danger to the law enforcement officer and ranges from a cooperative subject who is physically close to the officer to a subject who is placing life and limb in jeopardy. The other scale shows the range of potential responses, starting with the physical presence of the officer and continuing with verbal direction (persuasion, advice, warning), weaponless control (pain compliance techniques, stunning, and mechanical control), chemical agents, impact weapons like batons, and the use of firearms. To use the model, the officer places the situation at the appropriate danger level and matches it against the appropriate response. Grouping situations into logical categories in this way conforms to principles of educational psychology, helps officers better understand the use of force, and helps them respond properly and promptly during stressful situations. This model represents a more useful approach than the usual focus only on the use of deadly force and on firearms training alone. A figure depicting the model is supplied.