Subspecialty: Police Psychology
Topic: The Use-of-Force Continuum
The subspecialty I chose was The Use of Force Continuum. I chose this topic because it correlates with my current profession and the topic I chose for the final project. I recently completed training to become a certified trainer on a specific device that will be used in some juvenile detention facilities that will help staff when dealing with aggressive and non-compliant juveniles. The device will assist juvenile detention officers in many situations and incidents that require a minimal amount of force on juveniles. That device is called the G.L.O.V.E. This G.L.O.V.E. is an example of a nonfatal excessive force device. It will deploy a low output volt to the juvenile to regain control. Although I have gone through training on the use of force continuum, I wanted to gain more insight into the topic to share the information during future training sessions.
According to the Department of Justice (2009), “Most law enforcement agencies have policies that guide their use of force. These policies describe a escalating series of actions an officer may take to resolve a situation”. The Use of Force Continuum begins with low level techniques that an officer may use to de-escalate a situation, but if matters intensify, use of force may be justified if used properly. There are many techniques that can be used to prevent using excessive force. For example, an officer may use a taser, pepper spray, or even handcuff the individual to prevent using excessive force. If any of these techniques fail, the officer can be justified in using lethal weapons to control the individual and to protect the officer or anyone else from harm. Within the use of force continuum there are steps that an officer must use when dealing with a situation. These steps include officer presence, verbalization, empty hand control, less- lethal methods, and lethal force. According to the Department of Justice (2009), “officer presence- no force is used. Considered the best way to resolve a situation”. An officer then uses verbal commands. After using verbal commands an officer may use gentle force to guide the person. If the gentle force fails, the officer can then use less-lethal methods. In this step, this is where the G.L.O.V.E., pepper spray or taser may be effective. The last step, the officer would then use lethal force to gain control which could result in someone getting hurt. In certain instances, matters could take a quick turn within a brief time. If officers use these steps appropriately, the amount of force used can be justified.
Forensic psychology professionals have many roles and responsibilities within police psychology. “A police psychologist does not have to be a former police officer to be an effective service provider to law enforcement agencies” (Bartol & Bartol, 2022). Psychologists must know the aspects within the police field to provide the necessary guidance and counseling services to officers within agencies. After use of force incidents, psychologists are readily available to provide support. They also conduct assessments and research to enhance policing techniques. Police psychologists are also involved in the hiring process. Within this process, psychologists perform psychological evaluations. “These psychological evaluations- usually in the form of personality measures that may or may not be accompanied by interviews- help ensure that candidates are free of mental or emotional impairments that would interfere with effective, responsible, and ethical job performance as a police officer” (Bartol & Bartol, 2022). Psychologists also perform fit-for-duty evaluations to assess the mental capacity of officers after life events. These evaluations decide whether officers are ready to return for duty. They may also get involved in use of force cases to ensure and examine if it was justifiable. In the court setting, police psychologists can also be used as expert witnesses to testify in various cases. Police psychologists are important assets to the police culture and deeply knowledgeable of the various duties they perform.
Forensic psychologists play major roles in catalyzing positive social change within police psychology. They ensure that the legal aspects within the field are fair, unjust, and free of bias. Frequent evaluations can be conducted to assess the mental capacity of officers to ensure they are performing their duties according to agencies policies and procedures. Psychologists can conduct frequent trainings and interventions to help improve the moral and address issues that may arise. Promoting teamwork principles within agencies to improve collaboration efforts within the law enforcement field. They should always have an open-door policy for employees to discuss job-related issues. This can help agencies to be aware of issues and concerns within the departments. Psychologists can also ensure agencies are following non-ethical and legal hiring guidelines. Catalyzing positive change within the police culture may contribute to a better and structured environment. This creates a disciplined and efficient work environment.
References
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2022). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
National Institute of Justice. (2009, August 3). The use-of-force-continuum. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/use-force-continuum