Creating an Ethical Departmental Policy on the Use of Force: A Comprehensive Approach .Police use of force, particularly deadly force, has been a topic of spirited debate and contention nationally in recent years. How should a departmental policy concerning the use of force be created so as to meet the needs and ethical considerations of today?

Creating an Ethical Departmental Policy on the Use of Force: A Comprehensive Approach

The policy of a police department concerning the use of force must reflect the ethical considerations of today in order to meet the needs of all involved. Every day, police officers are responsible for protecting the public and keeping the peace within their communities. When using force, police must do so judiciously, taking into account the rights of those they are protecting and the need to uphold the law. To create an ethical policy on the use of force, police departments should consider a few key principles. First, a clear definition of force should be established, which outlines what types of force are permissible, and when they are to be used. Secondly, the use of force must be proportional to the situation. In other words, the amount of force used should never be more than necessary to control the situation. Thirdly, de-escalation techniques should be taught to officers to help them resolve situations without the use of force. Finally, police must be held accountable for their use of force and receive training on how to appropriately respond to use-of-force incidents (Gest, 2018; USCCR, 2018). Cont…