A Study On Use Of Force Incidents In Connecticut PDF Download

Police officer use of force is a defining characteristic of the law enforcement profession. Previous research has examined several factors which have been suggested to have an effect on use of force decisions. Suspect characteristics, resistance, presence of weapons, and mental impairment have all been identified as important aspects that need to be considered in regards to the offender. Similarly, officer characteristics, education and experience, and interactions with suspects have been broadly studied to gauge their influence on the encounters. Research directed at responses to the suspect in the form of non-lethal weapons and their resulting injuries are necessary to guide future policies and training. The current study examined use of force encounters through a secondary analysis of use of force reports provided by the Connecticut State Police. The level of suspect resistance, types of non-lethal responses, and resulting injuries were the variables of interest. The most common form of suspect actions encountered was active resistance. Police officers typically resorted to restraint techniques to subdue offenders, especially if the suspect was acting alone. Officer injuries were relatively infrequent, while suspect injuries were more common. Suspect injuries were most likely to occur when officers utilized restraint techniques, whereas officer injuries were more prone to being harmed following the deployment of OC spray. Regression analyses were unable to predict an officer's expected use of force response given certain variables.