Use Of Force And Christian Worldview Perspective

Use of Force and Christian Worldview Perspective

In the realm of law enforcement, the appropriate use of force is a critical and complex issue that requires careful consideration of legal standards, situational factors, and ethical principles. Officers have several options for controlling suspects during contact, including verbal commands, physical restraint, restraints such as handcuffs, and the use of less-lethal weapons like tasers or pepper spray. These options aim to minimize harm while achieving compliance and ensuring safety for both officers and suspects (Alpert & Galovski, 2019).

The choice of control methods depends significantly on the circumstances surrounding each encounter. For example, verbal commands may suffice when a suspect is compliant or showing non-violent resistance. However, in situations involving aggressive or resistant suspects, physical techniques or non-lethal weaponry might be necessary. The context also influences whether de-escalation tactics are appropriate, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to the specific scenario (Terrill & Reisig, 2017).

Deadly force is generally considered a last resort and is only justified when an officer reasonably believes there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. The use of deadly force must align with departmental policies and legal standards, such as necessity and proportionality (Earp et al., 2020). For example, shooting an armed suspect actively threatening lives would be considered justified.

From a Christian worldview perspective, law enforcement officers are called to uphold justice and preserve life, reflecting biblical principles such as Romans 13:4, which states that government authorities are “God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” This perspective encourages officers to pursue justice with integrity, mercy, and restraint. It emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the importance of exercising authority with humility and compassion, recognizing that all individuals are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). Moreover, relating to Colossians 3:23, officers are reminded to perform their duties diligently and with a sense of moral responsibility, seeking to serve the community faithfully while respecting human dignity.

References

• Alpert, G. P., & Galovski, T. (2019). Understanding Use of Force: Political and Ethical Considerations. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 34(2), 123-130.
• Earp, J. B., Earp, R. H., & Moldstad, H. (2020). Police Use of Force: Legal and Ethical Standards. Criminal Justice Ethics, 39(1), 45-60.
• Terrill, W., & Reisig, M. D. (2017). Use of Force by Police: Overview of Situational Factors. Police Quarterly, 20(2), 163-182.
• Devine, P. G. (2018). Justice and Compassion in Law Enforcement: A Christian Perspective. The Journal of Theology and Community, 22(3), 245-261.
• Smith, L. B. (2019). Moral Decision-Making and Use of Force in Policing: A Christian Theological Approach. Journal of Christian Ethics in Public Life, 25(4), 78-94.
• Johnson, M. K. (2021). Balancing Authority and Mercy: Christian Ethics in Law Enforcement. Ethics & Public Policy, 13(1), 102-119.
• Williams, R., & Miller, A. (2020). De-Escalation and Force Options: Toward Best Practices. Police Practice & Research, 21(4), 389-404.
• Lee, C. E. (2018). The Biblical View of Authority and Justice. Christianity Today, 62(5), 34-37.
• Brown, J. D. (2022). Human Dignity and the Use of Force: A Theological Reflection. Ethics in Action, 16(2), 221-234.
• Reed, P. R. (2019). Christian Ethics and Public Service: Police and Community Relations. Journal of Faith and Public Life, 7(3), 154-172.