The police use of force to protect society and advance citizens' legitimate goals (upholding of the social contract) should be distinguished from police violence, which is the use of force to undermine life, liberty, and happiness, which are promoted by the social contract. These contrasts in the police use of force can be seen in the use of force to apprehend criminals harming others versus force during arrest to punish the suspect before trial. The contrast can also be demonstrated in the minimal force used by police against persons they deem respectable versus the use of excessive force against those perceived as deviant. Although the use of force is central to police social service work, it should be used to perform emergency service work in circumstances where compliance must be coerced; e.g., when restraining a deranged person or in clearing a path through a crowd obstructing police access to an accident scene. Overall, the police should view themselves as a social service agency that uses coercion to ensure socially beneficial outcomes, including the apprehension of criminals and the prevention of crime. Fifty-nine notes arelisted.