Use of Force
The Use of Force topic provides news, information and training on one of the most commonly discussed areas in police training programs. Learn how to educate your community about use of force, the risks unarmed individuals pose and more.
Uses of force captured on video can be misinterpreted, exposing officers and agencies to significant civil and criminal liability. Are you providing the best evidence?
An Ark. officer’s actions come under legal scrutiny as the Eighth Circuit Court revives a lawsuit concerning the 2016 shooting of a suicidal teenager
“The goal is to prevent whatever the situation is from escalating up to the point that force would have had to be used.”
The correct response to public outcry following a use of force incident is to conduct a thorough investigation, not rush to change laws or policies
A deputy from a neighboring county who was a ride-along passenger was injured in the incident
Christopher Meyer was seen on video pointing his gun, yelling at family while responding to shoplifting report
Randall Comley fired a gun at a police officer and deputy as they served an arrest warrant Thursday morning
The suspect in the shooting of another man grappled with police in the middle of an intersection
The lawsuit filed by Nic Cederberg, who was shot 12 times by James Tylka in a 2016 incident, alleged that dispatchers failed to alert him that Tylka was armed
Demetrious Williams TASERed two officers attempting to restrain him before fleeing
A $20M lawsuit alleged Officer Ryan Donald shot unprovoked; department review found he acted within policy
Someone inside the apartment the officers were responding to was also shot
Officers used a TASER on suspect during traffic stop, pursued him when he fled scene
Officer Nicholas Bronte was later cleared of criminal liability
Toussaint Diamon Sims was fatally shot after a vehicle pursuit
Video released to public shows a sergeant telling an officer to ‘just push’ suspect
The suspect first walked away from the officer before turning around and lunging at him
The known gang member exchanged fire with LEOs outside a housing development
The deputy, responding to multiple calls about a suspicious person, fired at a man he believed was carrying a handgun
Officer Timothy Shea was shot while responding to a domestic dispute call
The chief struggled to contain his emotions as he pleaded with the Texas city to not allow the killing to reflect badly on the entire department
Aaron Dean had resigned from the Fort Worth Police Department earlier in the day
The shooting occurred after a neighbor called the police non-emergency line to report that the front door to the home was open
The officer was attempting make an arrest when the suspect took his baton and attacked him
This is the first time police video has been released under new legislation
Zechariah Presley was convicted on violating his oath of office
Department officials vehemently defended the officers’ actions, saying the teen violated a no-trespassing order, fled police and ultimately resisted arrest
Documenting proper application of handcuffs, double-locking and checking for proper fit are some of the easiest risk management steps in policing
The police department says the wounded man was taken to a hospital
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
One officer was injured by shrapnel in the exchange of gunfire
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