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.
Understanding the progressive reform agenda starts by understanding the language
We must ensure that police reform proposals reflect the latest human performance and decision-making research
Directing a person to show you their hands is inviting movement that strips you of a valuable threat cue
How realistic is it to expect a witness to recall a suspect’s words verbatim?
How do we prevent agencies, courts and communities from presuming inconsistencies between a report and video evidence means an officer is lying?
What does the empirical evidence say about the impact of viewing BWC videos on an officer’s memory?
Tactical decisions, including the decision to use force, require a quick calculation of the risk of action against the risk of delay
De-escalation and communication skills are key in the fast-paced, unpredictable world of emergency psychiatry
When not confronted with imminent threats, officers can use discretionary time to set the conditions for effective de-escalation
When suspects refuse to follow orders, stop moving or show their hands, officers must know and balance the risk of waiting to see a gun
A 4th Circuit Court of Appeals case has led to policy revisions, training updates and questions as to the relevance of the 21-foot principle
Two recent cases underscore that the 21-foot principle is just a starting point for the evaluation of police use-of-force decisions when facing edged weapons
There is a long “hangover legacy” of court decisions that are not in harmony with the latest human-factors research
Officers expecting a gun to be present are much more likely to shoot a suspect who is holding nothing more threatening than a cell phone
We need more balanced and comprehensive reporting of police use of force against “unarmed” individuals
Copyright © 2023 Police1. All rights reserved.
If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browser’s Help menu