Political Influence and Coercive Isomorphism: Explaining Variation in Use of Force Policies

• In Event: Examining the Impact of Policy for Police Agencies

Abstract

This study investigates variation in police use of force (UoF) policies among U.S. local police departments with over 100 sworn personnel, using institutional theory—particularly the concept of coercive isomorphism—to explain how external political, legal, and normative pressures shape departmental policy. Drawing on data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ LEMAS survey, U.S. Census demographics, FBI crime data, and policy scores from reform advocacy groups, we examine how factors such as political ideology of the jurisdiction, racial composition of the community, organizational complexity, and accreditation status influence the restrictiveness of UoF policies. Multivariate regression analysis reveals that departments embedded in more diverse and politically liberal environments are more likely to implement restrictive UoF provisions, including duty-to-intervene clauses, bans on chokeholds, and de-escalation requirements.

Author

• Hamdi Yesilyurt, Southern Illinois University Carbondale