National Data on Citizen Complaints About Police Use of Force

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Hickman ◽  
Jane E. Poore
Keyword(s):  
Use Of Force ◽  
National Data ◽  
Police Use Of Force ◽  
Citizen Complaints

Community Perceptions of Police Body-Worn Cameras

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew S. Crow ◽  
Jamie A. Snyder ◽  
Vaughn J. Crichlow ◽  
John Ortiz Smykla
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Use Of Force ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Police Performance ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Police Use Of Force ◽  
Citizen Complaints ◽  
Perceptions Of Police

Despite relatively little extant research, efforts to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in policing are increasing. Although recent research suggests positive impacts of BWCs on reducing police use-of-force and citizen complaints, little is known about community members’ perceptions of BWCs. The current study examined perceptions of residents of two Florida counties and found a large majority of respondents supported the use of BWCs. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine factors that influence views of BWCs. Findings indicate that positive perceptions of police performance and more police interaction were associated with greater perceived benefits of BWCs, whereas concerns about the privacy reduced perceived BWC benefits. Respondents’ views of procedural fairness and crime concern were indirectly related to perceptions BWC benefits. Non-White and younger respondents were indirectly less likely to perceive benefits. Implications of these findings and future directions for research are discussed.

Too Many Missing Cases: Holes in Our Knowledge about Police Use of Force

2002 ◽  
Vol 4 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 87-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
James J. Fyfe
Keyword(s):  
Use Of Force ◽  
The United States ◽  
Court Order ◽  
National Data ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Police Use Of Force ◽  
Police Agencies ◽  
The Media ◽  
Existing Data

This paper argues that one of the primary responsibilities of a democracy is to report accurately on how often its own agents kill or injure its citizens. The United States fails this responsibility: there are available to citizens no systematic or meaningful national data describing the frequency and consequences of police use of force in this country. Instead there exist only some local data provided by unrepresentative police agencies or obtained by the media under court order, and some aggregate data and estimates that cannot be linked with specific agencies. The paper reviews existing data and offers suggestions that would provide both citizens and public officials with a clearer picture of the efforts of their police to minimize use of force.

Improving Police Use of Force: A Policy Essay on National Data Collection

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon M. Shane
Keyword(s):  
Civil Rights ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Use Of Force ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Data ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Police Use Of Force ◽  
Rational Thought ◽  
History Of

Documenting police use of force has been an issue in the United States since at least 1931. As of July 2016, there is still no standardized national data collection effort, despite a call from several presidential and civil rights commissions to do so. Without accurate and timely national data, a moral panic of sorts unfolds that replaces rational thought and debate necessary to enact public policy. Moreover, without such data, it is virtually impossible to estimate the incidence and prevalence of police use of force, which leaves U.S. law enforcement agencies at a tremendous disadvantage for improving practices. This essay briefly examines the history of calls to improve police practices through collecting national use of force data and then offers a practical solution based on rational-technical theory of organizations with a brief analysis of a new promising, but limited, data set. The essay concludes with a proposed research agenda should national data become available through pending legislation H.R. 306, National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act of 2015.

Examining police use of force and citizen complaints

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 496-509
Author(s):  
William Terrill ◽  
Jason Robert Ingram ◽  
Logan J. Somers ◽  
Eugene A. Paoline III
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Use Of Force ◽  
Patrol Officers ◽  
Police Use Of Force ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Institute Of Justice ◽  
Citizen Complaints ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between police use of force and citizen complaints alleging improper use of force. Design/methodology/approach The current study utilizes official use of force and citizen complaint data, as well as surveys of patrol officers, from the Assessing Police Use of Force Policy and Outcomes Project, a multimethod National Institute of Justice funded study. Findings Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the number of use of force incidents that officers were involved in, as well as the types and levels of resistance they encountered from citizens, was related to use of force complaints from citizens. That is, those officers that were involved in more use of force situations were engaged in force encounters where the highest level of citizen resistance was “failure to comply,” and faced higher cumulative levels of citizen resistance, received more complaints alleging improper use of force. Research limitations/implications Studies of citizen complaints against police officers, especially those alleging improper use of force, should consider the number of force incidents officers are involved in, as well as other theoretically relevant force correlates. Practical implications Administrators, concerned with citizen allegations for improper use of force against their officers, should work to encourage their personnel to minimize the number of use of force applications, or at least less cumulative force, to resolve encounters with citizens. Originality/value While prior studies have examined police use of force and citizen complaints independently, the current study examines the empirical connection between use of force behavior and the generation of complaints from citizens.

Attitudes as predictors of police use of force

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon D. Riley ◽  
Donna M. Desforges
Keyword(s):  
Use Of Force ◽  
Police Use Of Force

scholarly journals The Structure and Delivery of Police Use of Force Training: A German Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario S. Staller ◽  
Swen Koerner ◽  
Valentina Heil ◽  
Isabel Klemmer ◽  
Andrew Abraham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Use Of Force ◽  
Police Training ◽  
Time On Task ◽  
Police Use Of Force ◽  
Training Time ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Constructive Alignment ◽  
Action Capabilities

AbstractThe current study aims to investigate the current structure and delivery of police recruit training. Using a case study approach, we systematically observed a semester of police training that consisted of 30 h with a specific focus on police use of force training. Field notes and time-on-task data was analysed using an inductive approach. The results revealed, first, a lack of constructive alignment of the training modules and learning tasks within the training settings. Second, an adherence to traditional linear approaches to training resulting in high amounts of augmented instruction and feedback and a one-size-fits all approach to technical and tactical behaviour. Third, a non-efficient use of available training time with low amounts of engagement in representatively designed tasks that stimulated problem-solving processes. Based on these results we suggest that there is a need: (a) for police trainers and curriculum designers to align the objectives, practice structure and delivery of police training with the needs of police officers in the field (e.g. conflict resolution); (b) for police trainers to employ more learner-centred pedagogical approaches that account for individual action capabilities and resources, and allow for high amounts of training time with representatively designed training tasks; and (c) for senior managers of overall police training decision-makers to provide the necessary trainer education, in order to furnish trainers with the knowledge and tools to appropriately plan, deliver and reflect upon their practice in keeping with concept of constructive alignment.

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