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Use of Deadly Force

NCJ Number
73286
Author(s)
W Kenda
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This training film for police officers portrays three instances in which police have to decide whether or not to use their guns.
Abstract
Colorado Springs, Colo., provides the setting for the film. The officers of the Colorado Springs Police Department portray themselves in the film. A key regulation for the police in the matter of deadly force is that all other reasonable means of control have been used to no avail. If there is any doubt about the justification for killing the suspect, the officer should not fire. Three examples are used to illustrate this principle: a barroom brawl, an armed robbery, and a family disturbance. In all instances, the officers needed to remain in control both physically and psychologically, rather than acting on impulse. Self-control is required to defuse potentially dangerous situations. The case of the armed robbery had the most potential for death or injury, since the robber had a gun, but even here, the firing of police weapons proved unnecessary.