Use Of Force Essay Example

be used if it is the only effective option, not just for self-defense or protecting others but also for reducing resistance to an arrest.

Law enforcement officers will adjust the amount of force they use when apprehending someone based on that person's behavior. If a suspect resists, an officer may need to use more intense methods like a taser but must have proper justification for doing so. Officers are only permitted to apply suitable and logical levels of force, except in situations where there is a threat to life from an armed suspect, which may require lethal measures.

The potential for death exists when force is not used by an officer or the public. The use of deadly force, which can create a belief in serious injury or death to a reasonable person, should only be employed as a last resort in extreme situations after all other options have been exhausted. Various factors such as intention severity and associated aspects must be considered before deciding on using deadly force. Whenever possible and safe, officers should opt for less severe measures like presence, verbal warnings, or physical restraint to control unauthorized actions.

Those who support using force believe that it can reduce danger for both the officer and the offender. Research has shown that tasers, when used as an intermediate level of force, result in fewer injuries than batons. According to Sgt., a representative from Baton Rouge police, using tasers has had concrete positive effects in preventing deadly force situations.

According to Don Kelly, Tasers have been effective in saving the lives of both officers and suspects (Ward, 2009). Handcuffing is another form of force used during arrests to help

officers deescalate situations by reducing a suspect's ability to fight, thus preventing injuries. Pepper spray is also commonly used by officers as a less lethal means of controlling a potentially resistant suspect. Advances in nonlethal neutralizing agents such as oleoresin capsicum (or "pepper spray") allow law enforcement officials to control subjects without resorting to physical confrontation or deadly force on the force continuum.

In 1994, Hunter observed that law enforcement officials face a unique challenge when dealing with suicidal individuals. These people often exhibit irrational behavior and may even turn hostile or try to incite officers to use deadly force, known as "suicide by cop." Failing to take action in these circumstances could put the officer or their loved ones at risk.

Instances may arise where a suspect carries out a shooting massacre akin to that of Columbine with the intention of causing harm to as many individuals as possible before taking their own life. Engaging in communication with these suspects is usually ineffective since their objective is to inflict damage. To address such events, law enforcement agencies have implemented "active shooter" training for intervention purposes. However, containment strategies may not be entirely successful, as evidenced by the outcomes of Columbine and the possibility of terrorism.

According to Meyer (2004), the officers at the scene might need to deal with an active shooter by searching and engaging them. By receiving training in dealing with such scenarios, law enforcement officials could potentially lessen the loss of life by quickly intervening and stopping the attacker. The previous approach of waiting for backup could result in more casualties since the shooter could harm more people while the officers wait to enter

the area. Additionally, the incident at the LA bank robbery highlights the necessity of using force to prevent armed robbers from escaping and endangering the public. These robbers carried AK-47 assault rifles, body armor, and 2800 rounds of ammunition.

The use of force by law enforcement is a controversial issue, with some arguing that negotiating with suspects is ineffective. However, the fatal shooting of both robbers and injuries sustained by 17 individuals after 1300 rounds were fired highlights concerns about excessive use of force. Those against using force claim police officers often exceed their legal authority, leading to complaints. This was exemplified in the Rodney King incident in 1991 when law enforcement officers beat him with batons after he was stopped for speeding and resisting arrest, causing public outrage and subsequent riots that resulted in over $1 billion in damages and claimed 53 lives.

(Grey) According to the NAACP, minorities frequently experience excessive force by police officers, leading to increased violence. One instance of this was the fatal shooting of a suspect who was already restrained and lying on the ground during an arrest in Oakland's subway system in 2009. Despite intending to use a taser, the officer mistakenly used their firearm instead, with video footage of the incident causing significant public outrage. It is essential for law enforcement personnel to prioritize serving their communities.

It is possible for law enforcement officials to become overwhelmed with emotions and use excessive force in certain situations, such as using a taser on someone who is being impolite or failing to use the appropriate amount of force when dealing with a suspected criminal. To prevent this from happening, it is important

to provide officers with training that focuses on reducing the use of force and deescalating situations whenever possible.
References: http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=1374http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/la_riot/article/0,28804,1614117_1614084_1614831,00.html