Use of Force
The Use of Force topic provides news, information and training on one of the most commonly discussed areas in police training programs. Learn how to educate your community about use of force, the risks unarmed individuals pose and more.
The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear Barnes v. Felix, a case that could redefine how officers’ split-second decisions are judged
The Barnes v. Felix case brings a federal circuit split to the Supreme Court, challenging whether deadly force should be judged at the “moment of threat” or under a broader “totality of circumstances” approach
Court rules that the deputy acted reasonably when fatally shooting wounded prone suspect who fled after shooting another officer
The report cites Fourth Amendment violations, poor training and inadequate supervision as issues in the Trenton Police Department
Key reforms include training Mesa PD officers to create “time and distance” in tense situations, which allows for de-escalation and the use of communication techniques
“It is imperative that, even in the heat of the moment, officers must...respond according to established policies and training procedures,” Tampa PD Chief Lee Bercaw said
The Spokane Police Department’s policy manual previously made an allowance for officers to take improvised action to respond to unexpected or abrupt threats
How law enforcement officers can navigate the challenges of responding to residents armed with weapons — and avoid escalating tense situations
Brett Hankison’s lawyers argued during closing statements that the officer was acting properly “in a very tense, very chaotic environment” that lasted about 12 seconds
New York City Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt’s words resonate for law enforcement today as much as they did a century ago
Being willing to employ an effective technique or tactic the instant it is justified will do more to control a suspect than starting with an inadequate one
A pivotal 2020 case examines how TASER logs and video footage can impact an ongoing debate surrounding police use of force
Science can redefine how we evaluate police actions, and ensure accountability that’s fair and just
Prosecutors said the officers lied to their supervisor, to the EMS personnel treating Nichols and in their written reports about the extent of the force they used
Unfortunately, law enforcement agencies have traditionally been hesitant to engage in this kind of self-analysis and information sharing
These principles will help you physically, legally and emotionally survive law enforcement
Axon’s Thi Luu and Andy Wrenn explain how portable virtual reality training pods and realistic scenarios can improve officer performance, safety and community engagement
MILO’s simulations offer realistic training options that allow departments to train their officers in both the use of firearms and less-lethal force options
Remember to prepare for the conditions you might find yourself outside in for several hours
In Quinn v. Zerkle, the 4th Circuit weighs the legality of implied consent after a door opens following a police pursuit, while upholding the use of force in a rapidly evolving confrontation
Smith discusses the TASER 10, VR-based training and the impact of AI on policing, highlighting how these advancements enhance officer safety, efficiency and effectiveness
While it’s easy to rely on established case law, officers and legal professionals must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said the officer shot the man “in fear for his life and his fellow officers,” as the man charged toward him
Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, discusses a new method of lateral restraint he developed where two subjects can control one person using a novel set of grips
When an officer has “sufficient time to comprehend that a suspect was subdued,” continued force is unreasonable, but officers are given leeway to assess the threat level
The court ruled the officers’ use of force, aimed at stopping an armed driver who had shot a police K-9 and his handler, was not excessive
Explore the significant distortions caused by fisheye lenses in body-worn cameras and understand the implications for accurate scene documentation and critical incident analysis
“Wrong is wrong. There’s not really anything to investigate,” said Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott, who immediately fired the officer and referred the case to prosecutors
Properly designed and safely executed force-on-force training helps learners prioritize their actions during stressful encounters
MOST POPULAR
- Illinois sheriff to retire after death threats following deputy’s fatal shooting of unarmed woman
- NYC mayor defends NYPD response after videos show clash between protesters, officers
- Former Calif. deputy faces federal charges in killing of man who was fleeing other LEOs
- Deputy’s failure to allow time for suspect to comply defeats claim of qualified immunity
- UCLA police chief reassigned following criticism over handling of campus demonstrations