Customer Reviews

Understanding Police Use of Force (Criminal Justice Press Project)

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I read this book to stay current with what is being published about Police Use of Force.

The author has for the most part done a good job but there are several over generlizations in his book. For example, he states that Tennessee v Garner establishes the standard for the use of deadly force by Police. However, Graham v Connor establishes the standard for the use of force, deadly or not, during an arrest, "Terry" stop or other seizure of a free citizen. Tennessee v Garner does establish when you can use deadly force on fleeing suspects in addition to when you could use deadly force under Graham v Connor.

This book is again a good starting point for learning more about police use of force.

Howard Rahtz has written a very perceptive, thoughtful piece on the appropriate use of force in police situations. He brings in examples that can only come from years of experience in the field, and he makes you think about how the use and threat of force is part and parcel of everyday police work. He points out that in many situations cops should think about their actions, even when ordinary citizens would not think twice about whether police force was approporiate.

I recommend it highly.