Managing Deadly Force: Strategies for Law Enforcement Agencies

1 Deadly Force used by Police Officers Brett A. Sagel CJAD 330: Management of Criminal Justice Agencies Mr. Frederick Crawford February 25, 2024

2 The use of deadly force by law enforcement has been a controversial topic for many years. However, it has been called into question increasingly as racial separation has become more prevalent over the last decade. Any time a life is lost regardless of the circumstances it is a tragic event, it is even more tragic when a law enforcement officer is forced to use deadly force to make it home at the end of their shift. These situations are heartbreaking for not only the officer and victim but their families and friends as well. In the blink of an eye, the lives of so many people are changed. When discussing the use of force, deadly force is a last resort to protect oneself or the life of others. “When an officer responds to a call for service or reacts to observed criminal behavior in the field, that officer must either quell the disturbance or apprehend a suspect, sometimes through the use of force. Police use of force is most often justifiable and legal.” (Swanson et al., 2021) Any use of deadly force will be vigorously investigated to ensure the officer acted within the law and within department policy as well as identify gaps in training and equipment that could have prevented the situation from happening. Law enforcement agencies utilize several tools to limit deadly uses of force. These tools are often referred to as less lethal tools such as “chemical weapons such as oleoresin capsicum (OC) or pepper spray, bean-bag guns, net guns that shoot a web around suspects, and controlled energy devices.” (Swanson et al., 2021) Other ways deadly force encounters are limited is by de-escalation and crisis intervention training. Agencies must ensure they have a strictly enforced code of conduct that includes the requirement of officers to report misconduct of others. Minority police officers are significantly

3 less likely to use force especially on other minorities. (Bechtel et al., 2023) Ensuring a diverse staff that represents the community they serve not only lessens the uses of forces but also builds a closer bond with the community. Employing members who live in the community they serve promotes better enforcement and better community relationships. (Bechtel et al., 2023) In conclusion, as the Chief of Police it is your duty to provide officers the tools necessary to limit the likelihood, they will be involved in a deadly force encounter as well as protect the community from a deadly force encounter. To prevent these tragic incidents, I would strictly enforce the code of conduct and ensure all witnessed misconduct was reported, diversify the agency, provide de-escalation and crisis intervention training, maintain the latest less lethal weapons, and ensure a strong relationship is built with agency members and the community.

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4 References Page Bechtel, T., Ostfeld, M. C., & Shaefer, H. L. (2023, January). Evidence on measures to reduce excessive use of force ... University of Michigan. https://sites.fordschool.umich.edu/poverty2021/files/2023/01/final-Policing-pb.pdf Swanson, C. R., Territo, L. J., Taylor, R. W., & Liederbach, J. R. (2021). Police Administration (10th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9780135728369

Management of Criminal Justice Agencies assignment 7

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