Reading Assignment for Section 7.1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 7.1: Introduction to Police Use of Force.

Note: This section spans multiple pages, so be sure to review all pages to fully understand the material.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the different types of police use of force and the legal standards that govern their application. You’ll learn how reasonableness and proportionality play a key role in determining justified use of force, as well as the impact of excessive force on public trust and community relations. Additionally, you’ll examine departmental policies, accountability measures, and the importance of effective training programs in promoting ethical and lawful policing practices.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 7.1

• SLO 1: Define the various types of police use of force, including physical presence, verbal commands, physical force, less-lethal force, and lethal force, and explain the procedural contexts in which each is applied.
• SLO 2: Analyze the legal standards governing the justification of force, including the principles of reasonableness and proportionality, as established in Tennessee v. Garner (1985) and Graham v. Connor (1989).
• SLO 3: Identify and explain the rules, regulations, and departmental policies that regulate police use of force, emphasizing compliance with constitutional protections under the Fourth and Eighth Amendments.
• SLO 4: Evaluate the impact of excessive force on public trust, legal accountability, and community relations, and assess the importance of accountability and transparency measures in law enforcement practices.
• SLO 5: Assess the role of police training programs in ensuring compliance with procedural laws and ethical standards, and describe how such training reduces unnecessary or excessive use of force while preserving public safety.