Police Use of Force “The Continuum of Force”

Verbal Nothing can beat an officer with good communication skills Able to think on their feet. Aware of their own strengths and weaknesses Able to assess others strengths and weaknesses Able to LISTEN.

Physical Restraint Physical restraint may be used: *by police to arrest and detain criminals *by specially-trained teachers and teachers assistants as well as police officers to restrain children and adults with severe behavioral problems, to prevent them from hurting others or themselves Police may use their arms, hands, entire body, or handcuffs when restraining a criminal.

Less than Lethal Force 25% of police shootings might be avoided with proper equipment and training. These weapons include: *thermal guns that raise body temperature so fast they incapacitate the suspect * shotguns that fire nets * temporarily blinding strobe lights * darts tipped with drugs * bean bags filled with metal shot and fired from a converted grenade launcher *pepper spray *TASER TASER. (12/29/09) Courts Set Standards For Police Taser Use. Retrieved 3/14/10.

Lethal Force “The job of a police officer has many risks…You will go out every day knowing you face…these risks. And you may [need to put ] your life on the line to protect yourself and those you serve.” --Mike Stradley, Oregon live.com Prison guards in weapons training. (2010) Photos/42 Retrieved 3/17/10. Photos/42