Use of Force Online

Law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold the law and must attempt to apprehend those who violate it. Officers are required, however, to use only that amount of force that is reasonably necessary to make the apprehension. When excessive force is used, the officer, as well as the agency, may be held both criminally and civilly liable. This course will focus on case law and legislation which defines the amount of force that is lawfully available to officers in attempted arrest/seizure cases, as well as what the courts have defined as excessive force.

The course will also cover basic concepts of a civil law suit, the differences between civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions, and how to prepare should an excessive use of force lawsuit be filed against an officer and/or the department.  Use of force and excessive force will also be considered in the context of high-speed pursuit cases. The officer will be instructed in methods for improving his or her performance in the courtroom.  In addition, there are sections dealing with the stages of the force continuum and with the concept of and techniques for de-escalation. Case scenarios involving the use of force, deadly force, and high-speed pursuits, force continuum, and de-escalation will be part of the interactive content.

This course is designed for all certified law enforcement officers.