Preventing misuse of force.
Introduction
In the 1960s and the 1970s, the Americans took note of the misuse of power among the police. Brutality was experienced during arrest, detention, and prisoners’ interrogation, more brutality if the prisoner was among the minority groups. Newspapers discussed and showed how the police had become brutal to the public. The police have, over the years, the misused force on different occasions. Brutality and misuse of power by police are experienced in almost every country in the world. Rules are needed to control and regulate the law to ensure public safety and protection.
Use of force rules
Police agencies have set rules that govern police behavior. Allegations of abuse by any officer are intensely investigated, and guilty officers undergo severe punishment. These rules have reduced complaints by the public on misuse of power. New officers are taught during recruitment what they can and cannot do to citizens. Some laws and procedures govern the use of force. These policies are set to ensure the safety of both the suspect and the officer. Deadly force has, in some jurisdictions, been supplemented by the use of tasers or rubber bullets.
Use of force continuum.
Training officers from the first day keeps them in line. Teaching officers’ alternative ways to deal with dangerous situations helps them to remain in control of themselves and others. The level of force the officer exerts should depend on the amount of resistance by the suspect. Continuous training and mentoring of officers keep them disciplined.
Work cited
Prenzler, Tim. Police corruption: Preventing misconduct and maintaining integrity. CRC Press, 2009.
Newburn, Tim, and Barry Webb. “Understanding and preventing police corruption: lessons from the literature.” (1999).
Williams, Kristian. Our enemies in blue: Police and power in America. AK Press, 2015.