SummaryThe police have a duty and responsibility to enforce the laws and ordinances within their jurisdiction, to maintain order, and to assist members of the community. Police officers protect property and lives (Duties & Responsibilities of Police Officers, 1975). In the exercise of his duties, a police officer may use force when necessary. The International Association of Chiefs of Police has defined force as “the effort required by police to compel a reluctant subject to comply” (Police Use of Force in America 2001, 2001). The use of force is accepted as part of police work and is authorized until the force becomes excessive. Excessive force is defined as “the application of a quantity and/or frequency of force greater than that required to compel a willing or unwilling subject to comply” (Police Use of Force in America 2001, 2001). The use of excessive force can become a criminal act committed by a police officer. Police use of force is divided into non-lethal force and deadly force. Non-lethal force is most often used by police officers, but deadly force may be necessary and acceptable depending on the situation. Non-deadly force includes physical force, such as an officer placing a hand on an individual to show a position of authority and control, stun guns, batons, and bean bag shots. Deadly force most often involves the use of a firearm. The amount of force needed is situation-specific, can change as the situation evolves, and often depends on the experience level of the officer. Use of force by policeThe use of force is an accepted part of police work. policing and is often a routine part of police work. The use of force is authorized by law until the force becomes excessive, at which point the action becomes criminal...... middle of paper ......POLICE_USE_OF_FORCE. HtmMesloh, C., Henych, M. and Wolf, R. (September 2008). Effectiveness of less-lethal weapons, use of force, and suspect and officer injuries: A five-year analysis. Retrieved November 22, 2014, from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/224081.pdfPolice Use of Force in America 2001. (2001). Retrieved November 12, 2014 from CIRMAT.com: http://sashley.com/filessentbysteve/resources/police%20use%20of%20force%20in %20america%20-%202001.pdfThe use of force continuum. (August 4, 2009). Retrieved November 22, 2014, from the U.S. Department of Justice: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/law-enforcement/use-of-force/continuum.htmWhat is an enforcement restraint enveloping the body. (June 29, 2010). Retrieved November 27, 2014 from Patrol Log: http://www.patrol-log.com/2010/06/29/what-is-a-body-wrap-restraint-high-tech-hog-tie/.