Introduction
The use of excessive force by police officers has been on the rise over the last couple of years. This is evident by the numerous amount of police brutality cases recorded and uploaded on the social media by onlookers and witnesses (Fyfe, 2010). In the effort to subdue a suspect, the actions of a police officer can drastically escalate and transform to become illegal in various situations. According to an article posted on ABC News, a police officer in Philadelphia was recorded while kicking and physically beating a suspect who was involved in a shootout with the officers. Another reported incident revealed police officers in Lawrenceville kicking and punching a suspect involved in drunken driving. Similar cases of police using excessive force have been on the rise across the country. The number of recorded cases is far below the actual number since most of these instances go unreported (Segan, 2016).
The application of excessive force by the police in arresting suspects does not have a precise definition. Police are obliged to apply force to subdue various suspects every day. However, it is imperative for police officers to use a reasonable amount of force to subdue a suspect. In the event of subduing a suspect, it is imperative for the police officer to follow a framework so as to apply the appropriate amount of force relevant to the situation.
Analyze the situation
Police officers are obliged to make split-second decisions in the event of life-threatening conditions in the process of subduing a suspect. Before making any rush decisions, the officer should weigh the situation and predict the possible reaction of the suspect. The reaction of the suspect can be deduced from the interaction with the patient just before the arrest. There are different indicators of aggressive suspects (Klahm & Tillyer, 2010). In case the situation is calm, and the patient does not look threatening or aggressive, the police officer should apply just the right amount of force to subdue the patient. It is outrageous to physically and brutally manhandle a suspect involved in drunken driving. On the other hand, the application of the extra amount of force is necessary.
Use persuasion
A persuasion is effective tool in attaining suspect's cooperation in the event of an arrest. The police officer should try to persuade the suspect to cooperate before making a decision to use force.
References
Fyfe, S. (2010). Above the law: Police and the excessive use of force. Simon and Schuster.
Klahm, C. F., & Tillyer, R. (2010). Understanding police use of force: A review of the evidence. Southwest journal of criminal justice, 7(2), 214-239.
Segan, S. (2016). What Is Excessive Force?. ABC News. Retrieved 28 February 2016, from http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96509
