Use of Force 11Final Phase, the officer makes the decision of whether to use force by incorporating
the information received in the previous phases as well as any final action by the
suspect or immediate threat.
As described, this model reflects the application of a series of decisions actively
made by the police officer. Appropriate decisions are made when the police officer
consciously evaluates the situation based on the development of the event. Many
police departments have used a similar philosophy in developing a series of guidelines
which establish a more definitive circumstance for the use of force. Such policies
can aid the officer in making a rational decision in a time of great pressure.
Forensic Psychology and Policy Implications
One way to combat the chances of using force unnecessarily is by incorporating
effective training programs that will prepare an officer in the event that such a quick
decision must be made (Ross & Jones, 1996). Developing extensive policies that
outline the criteria which may necessitate the use of force can act as means of training
police officers to recognize the key elements involved. These key elements include
specific response levels on the part of the officer that must be evaluated during the
course of the confrontation. Providing officers with applicable response levels such
as appropriate dialogue and verbal direction with the citizen, appropriate means of
restraint, and the use of weapons and incapacitation can alleviate some of the intense
pressure in that "split-second" decision. In addition, such policies can address the
various subject factors such as age, size, seriousness of crime, and weapons usage
as compared to the officer's factors of size, number of officers present, an officer's
defensive tactics, and legal requirements. As explored in the Edward Garner case,
his youth and the fact that he was unarmed and had not committed a dangerous
crime would indicate under such a policy that deadly force was not appropriate in
the context of the situation. Similarly, in the Rodney King case, an implication of
policy could prevent questions as to the amount offeree that is necessary to subdue
a suspect. Such guidelines have been proven to be highly effective in the fast-paced
discretionary decision making that is necessary in such an event.
Another effective means of preventing unnecessary use offeree would be in the
screening and counseling of those officers who reveal a greater propensity toward
violence (Scrivner, 1994). These provisions would allow the police departments to
gain more responsibility over the likelihood of an incident to occur rather than to
rely solely on the circumstances of the crime or on the suspect.
In addition, monitoring officers' behavior can also serve as a defense against
unnecessary use offeree (Scrivner, 1994). By alerting supervisors to those officers
who demonstrate behavior that suggests a risk for violence, intervention techniques
can be performed early. In addition, monitoring officers in the field can provide
a role model to other officers as well as aid in the enforcement of the policies
established within the department.