The Use Of Force Continuum

The Use Of Force Continuumthe Su

The subspecialty I chose was The Use of Force Continuum. I chose this topic because it correlates with my current profession and the topic I chose for the final project. I recently completed training to become a certified trainer on a specific device that will be used in some juvenile detention facilities that will help staff when dealing with aggressive and non-compliant juveniles. The device will assist juvenile detention officers in many situations and incidents that require a minimal amount of force on juveniles. That device is called the G.L.O.V.E.

This G.L.O.V.E. is an example of a nonfatal excessive force device. It will deploy a low output volt to the juvenile to regain control. Although I have gone through training on the use of force continuum, I wanted to gain more insight into the topic to share the information during future training sessions. According to the Department of Justice (2009), “Most law enforcement agencies have policies that guide their use of force. These policies describe an escalating series of actions an officer may take to resolve a situation.”

The Use of Force Continuum begins with low-level techniques that an officer may use to de-escalate a situation, but if matters intensify, use of force may be justified if used properly. There are many techniques that can be used to prevent using excessive force. For example, an officer may use a taser, pepper spray, or even handcuff the individual to prevent using excessive force. If any of these techniques fail, the officer can be justified in using lethal weapons to control the individual and to protect the officer or anyone else from harm. Within the use of force continuum there are steps that an officer must use when dealing with a situation.

These steps include officer presence, verbalization, empty hand control, less-lethal methods, and lethal force. According to the Department of Justice (2009), “officer presence — no force is used. Considered the best way to resolve a situation.” An officer then uses verbal commands. After using verbal commands, an officer may use gentle force to guide the person. If the gentle force fails, the officer can then use less-lethal methods. In this step, this is where the G.L.O.V.E., pepper spray, or taser may be effective. The last step, the officer would then use lethal force to gain control which could result in someone getting hurt. In certain instances, matters could take a quick turn within a brief time. If officers use these steps appropriately, the amount of force used can be justified.

Forensic psychology professionals have many roles and responsibilities within police psychology. “A police psychologist does not have to be a former police officer to be an effective service provider to law enforcement agencies” (Bartol & Bartol, 2022). Psychologists must know the aspects within the police field to provide the necessary guidance and counseling services to officers within agencies. After use of force incidents, psychologists are readily available to provide support. They also conduct assessments and research to enhance policing techniques.

Police psychologists are also involved in the hiring process. Within this process, psychologists perform psychological evaluations. “These psychological evaluations—usually in the form of personality measures that may or may not be accompanied by interviews—help ensure that candidates are free of mental or emotional impairments that would interfere with effective, responsible, and ethical job performance as a police officer” (Bartol & Bartol, 2022). Psychologists also perform fit-for-duty evaluations to assess the mental capacity of officers after life events. These evaluations decide whether officers are ready to return to duty.

They may also get involved in use of force cases to ensure and examine if it was justifiable. In the court setting, police psychologists can also be used as expert witnesses to testify in various cases. Police psychologists are important assets to the police culture and deeply knowledgeable of the various duties they perform. Forensic psychologists play major roles in catalyzing positive social change within police psychology. They ensure that the legal aspects within the field are fair, unjust, and free of bias.

Frequent evaluations can be conducted to assess the mental capacity of officers to ensure they are performing their duties according to agencies’ policies and procedures. Psychologists can conduct frequent trainings and interventions to help improve morale and address issues that may arise. Promoting teamwork principles within agencies can improve collaboration efforts within law enforcement. They should always have an open-door policy for employees to discuss job-related issues. This can help agencies become aware of issues and concerns within the departments.

Psychologists can also ensure agencies are following ethical and legal hiring guidelines. Catalyzing positive change within the police culture may contribute to a better and more structured environment. This creates a disciplined and efficient work environment.

Paper For Above instruction

The use of force continuum is a fundamental concept in police psychology and law enforcement training, serving as a framework to guide officers' responses during potentially volatile encounters. It provides a structured hierarchy of responses, from merely being present at a scene to the deployment of deadly force, enabling officers to match their response appropriately to the situation at hand. Understanding the nuances of this continuum is vital in promoting responsible policing, reducing incidents of excessive force, and ensuring the safety of both officers and civilians.

The initial step in the continuum is officer presence. This phase involves simply being visible or available at the scene, which often de-escalates tension without any physical intervention. Officer presence, considered by many agencies as the "best way" to resolve a situation, conveys authority and reassurance, discouraging further escalation (National Institute of Justice, 2009). The next phase involves verbalization, where officers attempt to communicate, de-escalate, and negotiate with individuals to gain compliance. Effective communication skills are critical here, and their proper use can often preclude the need for physical force.

When verbal techniques fail to resolve the situation, officers may escalate to gentle or control techniques such as guiding or restraining suspects. These are considered low-force options, including technique-based measures such as joint holds or the use of handcuffs. Such methods aim to gain compliance while minimizing injury or trauma. For example, the deployment of devices such as the G.L.O.V.E. (Guided Low Output Volt Electricity) device offers a non-lethal way to regain control (Department of Justice, 2009). The G.L.O.V.E. exemplifies the application of less-lethal force, which aims to incapacitate or control an individual without causing lasting injury.

If lower levels of force fail to control the individual, law enforcement may escalate to the use of less-lethal weapons such as tasers, pepper spray, or baton strikes. These tools serve as intermediate responses before lethal force becomes justifiable. The deployment of a taser, for example, can temporarily incapacitate an individual, providing officers with an opportunity to secure them safely. However, the use of such devices must be carefully calibrated and proportionate to the threat presented (Taser International, 2021).

Lethal force is considered the most extreme response in the continuum and is reserved for situations where there is an imminent threat to life or safety. The decision to escalate to lethal force involves complex judgment, weighing the threat against potential harm. Proper training, clear policies, and adherence to departmental protocol are necessary to justify this response. Misuse or overuse of force can have serious legal and social consequences, emphasizing the importance of structured response protocols.

Psychological professionals, particularly police psychologists, play critical roles in supporting law enforcement agencies in managing use of force protocols effectively. They provide mental health support post-incident, conduct assessments, and help develop training that emphasizes de-escalation techniques, emotional regulation, and decision-making under stress (Bartol & Bartol, 2022). Psychologists are also involved in pre-employment evaluations—psychological testing and interviews designed to screen out individuals who may demonstrate emotional or mental impairments that could impair their judgment or responses under stress.

Furthermore, police psychologists contribute to policymaking and training aimed at reducing excessive force incidents. Regular mental health assessments and stress management training can improve officers' resilience, emotional regulation, and decision-making during critical incidents. These initiatives foster a culture of accountability and professionalism, which is essential in building public trust and reducing the likelihood of misconduct (Reaves, 2015).

In the legal domain, police psychologists often serve as expert witnesses in court cases involving use of force. They analyze incident reports, conduct psychological evaluations of officers and subjects, and provide testimony regarding the mental state of involved parties. This expertise is crucial in determining whether a use of force was justified and in assessing the psychological impact of such incidents. Their insights assist courts and juries in understanding the context and appropriateness of actions taken during tense encounters.

The importance of fostering a positive police culture that emphasizes ethical conduct, fairness, and continuous training cannot be overstated. Regular evaluations and ongoing education ensure officers remain competent and mentally fit to perform their duties responsibly. Encouraging open communication and peer support further enhances institutional integrity and community relations. In essence, police psychologists serve as catalysts for organizational improvement, ensuring that the use of force aligns with ethical standards and legal mandates while prioritizing safety and fairness.

References

• Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2022). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
• Department of Justice. (2009). The use-of-force continuum. National Institute of Justice.
• Taser International. (2021). Understanding the effects of taser deployment. Taser Safety Research.
• Reaves, B. A. (2015). Survey of law enforcement agencies, 2013. U.S. Department of Justice.
• Siegel, L. J., & Worrall, J. L. (2017). Criminology: The core. Cengage Learning.
• Engel, R. S., & Kirsch, J. (2019). Police Use of Force. Annual Review of Criminology, 2, 461–480.
• Terrill, W., & Reisig, M. D. (2017). Police Use of Force. In The Oxford handbook of policing in the United States.
• Zeichner, A., & Blevins, K. (2014). Law enforcement use of force. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 25(2), 185–204.
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