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Blunt Force Head Trauma From Police Impact Weapons: Some Skeletal and Neuropsychological Considerations

NCJ Number
107225
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 56-62
Author(s)
T C Cox; D J Buchholz; D J Wolf
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the potential for blunt force head trauma in police-citizen interactions, presents probable consequential injuries, and discusses subsequent liability problems.
Abstract
Despite training structures, policy, and legislation designed to restrict police use of nonlethal weapons, head injuries inflicted by batons and metal flashlights continue to be an important liability problem. A discussion of reasons underlying this phenomenon focuses on difficulties in transferring learned behavior to actual field altercations and failure to understand the consequences of blunt force trauma. A review of empirical evidence demonstrates how impact weapons have the potential for causing serious focal and diffuse injuries to the human head. Type of head injuries and their possible outcomes are described in medical terms. Also discussed are factors affecting physiopathic outcomes and the face's skeletal structure. The potential of mild injuries to create important losses for defendants and serious liability problems for police agencies is explored. Recommendations for police managers address policies concerning the use of nonlethal force and realistic training programs that prepare officers to deal proficiently with actual field situations. 18 references.