Pulled Over and Assaulted: Analysis of Police Use of Force and Possible Reforming Training Methods

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Police use of force, especially involving less than lethal or deadly force, has continually been featured in media as frequently excessive. Individual officers are influenced to use differing levels of force by a number of contextual, personal, and organizational training factors, and the discrepancy of practices across the nation has contributed to an increase in civil rights lawsuits and excessive force complaints against officers and departments (Bolger, 2015; Taylor, Alpert, Kubu, Woods, & Dunham, 2011). This study analyzes the use of force continuum, how it’s outlined in departmental policies, and how it’s applied in police work, specifically traffic stops, by reviewing dashboard and body camera videos to determine officer force proportionality and legitimacy (Ariel, Farrar, & Sutherland, 2015). By evaluating different police use of force and verbal de-escalation training techniques, this study suggests that it may be possible to alter officer training programs, or develop a universal training system, to strongly prioritize lesser force levels over more lethal force to subdue civilian suspects. The implications of this research may be used in future policy reform, as further evaluations and revisions to training programs may increase overall civilian trust in law enforcement and reduce legal action against officers and departments.

Author

• Casey Annette Skomer, Nova Southeastern University