The problem of developing policies and controls over violence perpetrated by the police is difficult because the event in which the police employ violence is often not well understood at the time by the participants. Furthermore, violence is sanctioned by discretion in the law and by the occupational culture, embedded in a history of departmental regulations and reactions to such events, and not accurately and consistently interpreted in the law. Departmental policies tend to be punitive in their intent and reflect organizational needs to avoid embarrassment. The occupational culture reflects general understanding of the public insofar as it views shootings as an essential part of police work. Therefore, when an officer shoots someone or engages in a violent episode, affirmation of a basic identity occurs. Thus, legal attempts to control the use of force and the developmental guidelines are likely to fail. Occupational controls should be the most powerful. Given the occupational basis for violence, macrosocial changes, such as gun control laws or the differentiation of the police role, seem, if not promising, at least possible reforms. Footnotes are included.