Reading Assignment for Section 7.3

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 7.3: Police Use of Force and Accountability.

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 examine the constitutional principles and legal frameworks that govern police use of force and accountability. You’ll explore the concept of excessive force, legal remedies for victims, and the role of qualified immunity in protecting officers. Additionally, you’ll learn about the importance of detailed reporting, oversight mechanisms, and strategies for maintaining transparency and integrity within law enforcement agencies to strengthen public trust.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 7.3

• SLO 1: Explain the constitutional principles under the Fourth Amendment that govern the reasonableness of police use of force, including key Supreme Court cases such as Tennessee v. Garner and Graham v. Connor.
• SLO 2: Analyze the concept of excessive force, evaluate legal remedies available to victims, and discuss the doctrine of qualified immunity as established in Harlow v. Fitzgerald and Mullenix v. Luna.
• SLO 3: Identify and describe the mandatory reporting requirements for use-of-force incidents, emphasizing the role of detailed documentation in promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust.
• SLO 4: Evaluate the roles and processes of Internal Affairs investigations and external oversight mechanisms in addressing allegations of misconduct and ensuring police accountability.
• SLO 5: Assess the challenges and benefits of internal and external accountability systems, and propose strategies to strengthen oversight and maintain integrity within law enforcement agencies.