Understanding Police Use of Force - (Cambridge Studies in Criminology) by Geoffrey P Alpert & Roger G Dunham (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 191
Genre: Social Science
Sub-Genre: Criminology
Series Title: Cambridge Studies in Criminology
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Age Range: Adult
Author: Geoffrey P Alpert & Roger G Dunham
Language: English

About the Book

This book presents important data and findings about the police use of force.

Book Synopsis

Although most police activities do not involve the use of force, those that do reflect important patterns of interaction between officer and citizen. After a brief survey of prior research, this study presents new data and findings to examine these patterns. The force factor applied and the sequential order of incidents of force is included in the analysis. The authors also examine police use of force from the suspect's perspective, and create a new conceptual framework, the Authority Maintenance Theory, for examining and assessing police use of force.

Review Quotes

All civilized societies permit police officers to use force in the service of law and order, even though the use of force is destined to be controversial and troubling. How much force is appropriate? Was it as limited as possible? Did it serve a reasonable purpose? This important book adds to our understanding of police use of force and how we may best manage its use. William J. Bratton, Chief of Police, City of Los Angeles