The Use of Force by the Police Research

Document Type:Research Paper

Subject Area:Criminology

Document 1

Representatives from the policing system argue that the lack of adequate use of force by the task force would result to the increase in the risk involved in safeguarding both the lives of the civilians as well as those of the officers. As such, many factors have therefore been attributed to behind the use of such force. Although this might be the case, there have been several cases where the various policies guiding the activities of the law enforcers have appeared to undermine the wellbeing of the civilians (Fitzgerald, 2010). Contrary objections, favorable opinions, as well as ambivalent feelings regarding the use of force have varied within the criminal justice system as well as among the members of the public in general.

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Over the years, scholars have found it difficult in determining the proper definition of what warrants the use of forced justice by police officers. In my line of work as an officer of the law, one is highly likely to be forced to use forceful actions especially in a scenario that requires them to use their judgment. Since every officer is expected to have a different reaction towards a particular situation, most often tend to opt for an alternative that is most likely to affect the required action in due time. Regardless of the intention of the officer, such actions may sometimes seem to be excessive more so if they prove to be in violation of fundamental human rights of the public.

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Personal Testimony on the Use of Force as an Officer Last year during November, I was involved in a scenario which was somewhat confusing for one to handle. During my usual routine drive-by, I encountered a robbery scene where a teenage girl was being harassed by a man who appeared to be relatively older than her. Without any attempt at understanding the situation, my efforts were merely seen as unjust. As an officer of the law, I truly believe, although not every time, that we are often misjudged by the public based on the actions that we undertake. I also think that we have the right of defending our lives more so in situations that are likely to compromise our survival.

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As a result, I believe that crucial policy issues ought to be implemented to ensure that this is rectified. Policy recommendation issues One of the primary means that I believe is likely to warrant the reduction of excessive use of force includes continuum scale. The government should be able to come up with rules that are more strict about how officers accused of using force should be penalized. Such laws should be able to indicate how such individuals are likely to be prosecuted. Strict rules may work towards ensuring that law enforcement officers can adhere to the set regulation to avoid severe actions likely to be practiced on them (Nelson, 2010). Conclusion Excessive use of force also referred to as police brutality continues to be a problem that the vast members of the public are forced to reckon with.

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