The authority to use force to effect an arrest or preserve public safety is a defining characteristic of law enforcement officers that sets them apart from other government agents. Properly applied, it can protect officers, victims, those accused of crimes, and bystanders. Misused or abused, it can do deep and lasting damage to community members and law enforcement legitimacy.
Law enforcement officers have multiple force options at their disposal, ranging from any significant physical contact that restricts the movement of a person to the use of less lethal and lethal weapons. Law enforcement agencies' use of force policies and training typically establish authorized force options, proper deployment techniques, circumstances appropriate to each authorized force option, and reporting requirements after the deployment of each force option.
Resources Related to Use of Force
Visit the Knowledge Lab’s full resource index here.
After Action Report | 2018
2017 Presidential Inauguration First Amendment Independent Law Enforcement Review
Recommendations from Civil Rights Litigations
Explore the modules below to learn how Civil Rights Litigation has touched upon use of force. The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various consent decrees, settlement agreements, and assistance letters. The modules are intended to support agencies in improving their Constitutional policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. To learn more about civil rights litigation, visit the Knowledge Lab's Federal Interventions Dashboard.
The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various sources, including consent decrees, research, and practitioner and department-developed resources. These webpage modules are intended to be a guide for departments to use to improve their Constitutional policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. This resource is intended to be dynamic, and the Knowledge Lab will continue to update and add to these modules to provide additional and current guidance for departments.