Emerging Use of Force Issues

Public perceptions of the use of force by law enforcement officers can dramatically and negatively affect the way the police and community interact. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (the COPS Office) convened a Use of Force Symposium to find ways in which law enforcement can address the perceived excessive use of force by officers. Discussions centered around five major themes, including public perception; getting at the facts; managing use of force; officer training; and officer mindset. Emerging Use of Force Issues: Balancing Public and Officer Safety summarizes the discussions from the Symposium and provides suggestions and conclusions on what actions can be taken to address these issues.