Use Of Force
Use of Force
All types of law enforcement officers come into contact with offenders on some level. Law enforcement officers must go through training to learn how to handle situations that arise. Many instances require that officers use different forms of cogency to get the offender to comply with the rules. Force is defined as using strength to compel something or someone who puts up resistance. There are different levels of force. There is non-lethal force, which is any force that does not result in injury or death. Lethal force is any force that can cause death or serious bodily injury. Law Enforcement officers are encouraged to handle all situations accordingly; however, if rationalization is not possible, they are to use whatever means will prevent any further confrontation. Some officers are often disciplined for using excessive force. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (or NAACP) stated that when armed officers abused their power and use their positions as advantage to use excessive force, they ruin citizens’ livelihood (1995). State laws separate criminal conduct from suitable force to the effect that officers should use no more force than necessary or reasonable and that force should be used as a last resort (Skolnick & Fyfe, 1993).
Non-lethal force includes verbal commands, oleoresin capsicum, and hands on force. An officer can give an offender an order to calm down, move away, and any other commands. Verbal commands are favored most by policies nationwide. By giving a verbal command, the officer gives the offender a chance to think about the situation, and it can probably dissolve the issue. Having a conversation with the offender can also ease the tension between the parties involved.
Another form of non-lethal force is the Oleoresin Capsicum, or O.C. pepper spray. Oleoresin capsicum a highly potent substance found in cayenne peppers and other pepper types. It can also be...
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