Force Science Institute

Destroying Myths & Discovering Cold Facts

The Force Science Institute (FSI) is comprised of a team of physicians, lawyers, psychologists, scientists, police trainers and law enforcement subject matter experts dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and training in criminal justice matters.

FSI conducts sophisticated scientific research studies into human behavior documenting the physical and mental dynamics associated with the societal demands of the peace-keeping function, including high-pressure situations and use-of-force incidents. Its findings apply to citizen-involved uses of force, as well as impacting investigations of officer-involved force applications. FSI research when applied to training enhances officer performance and public safety.

Full list of Force Science Institute results

Research: Startle response and firearm draws
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Recent findings provide empirical evidence that motor movements, like the firearm draw performance, can be initiated before the startle response is completed
Force Science validates legacy research findings
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Whether aimed or not, it is clear that firearm assaults can be much faster than the time needed for an effective response
Top medical experts explore safety of vascular neck restraints. Will their findings matter?
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To better inform policies regarding the training and use of VNRs by law enforcement, emergency medicine doctors published their latest research
Research: Stress, training and the objective reasonableness standard
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While consistent training can significantly improve outcomes, a flawless performance is improbable given the limits of human performance under stress
Research on visual focus in law enforcement
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Attentional control can positively influence police officers’ emotional regulation and improve tactical decision-making
Professional police training
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To reach the high standards that agencies and communities expect of their officers, it may be time to rethink traditional training methods
Curb-sitting: Evidence-based tactic or illusion of safety?
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Little empirical evidence guides us on how much time is necessary to create an adequate reactionary gap
Watching video evidence before providing a use of force statement
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How to mitigate the legitimate risks of viewing video evidence, including the risk of corrupting an officer’s memory
Firearms training for real-world assaults
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When officers repeatedly practice drawing their gun without moving their head or feet, what are they likely to do when an offender suddenly produces a weapon at close range?
New research on vision and emotional regulation for effective performance
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Intentionally driving the visual processes – choosing what to look at and when – could benefit information processing and decision-making for police officers
New study: Grip strength and shooting performance
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Researchers recommend agencies examine the adoption of pistols with lower trigger pull weights to mitigate grip strength-related shooting issues
Report: San Francisco police peacefully resolve 99.9% of crisis-related calls
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Of the nearly 50,000 annual crisis-related calls for service, the San Francisco Police Department used force only 51 times
Research: Speed and movements associated with armed assaults
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Synchronizing data with high-speed video programs provides a better understanding of the nature of pre-assault, assault and post-assault dynamics
Puncturing a castle defense: Inconsistencies between suspect's account and forensic evidence
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The suspect admitted he had stabbed his friend multiple times, claiming the killing was done in self-defense; an investigation proved otherwise
Unintended: A theory of TASER/weapon confusion
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How does an officer draw and fire their pistol when it is clear they intended to draw and discharge their TASER?
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