How much force should an officer use to control and arrest a suspect?
Some officers and departments believe as much as necessary, escalating as needed, while, unfortunately in my opinion, some teach and support a less aggressive approach.
Photo credit to 123 Photo
During one training session I taught the use of a flashlight in defensive tactics.
That night one of my students was attacked in a bushy area of his quadrant by the suspect he was chasing. My student broke the suspect's collar bone, made the arrest and was subsequently written up for excessive use of force.
Without analyzing the video and testimony here, what have been your experiences during your career?
https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/386589/Cops-punches-legal-expert
Photo credit to Unsplash
"As much force as necessary" is misleading when dealing with overseers. I remember being criticized for not writing enough citations during my shift.
In the case of suspect control I was taught by several instructors to approach every take down as life threatening.
As a female officer I often used my gender to my advantage. At 160 pounds and 6' my presence is often sufficiently intimidating but if not, I have said, "If you continue to resist arrest I will put you in the hospital and you will have to explain to your buddies that a woman beat your ass." That usually worked on older suspect.