In an era marked by rapid technological development, an increasingly litigious citizenry, and an ongoing critical review of all government practices by the general public, special interest groups, legislative bodies, and the courts, law enforcement administrators must constantly review administrative and operational practices for relevancy and workability. Police policies and practices must be updated to adequately address changing patterns occurring within the society at large.

Use of force by police, including deadly force, has always been an area of critical concern for police administrators. Written policy, training, and supervision have been the means by which such administrators have sought to ensure strict compliance with applicable law and acceptable standards. With the introduction of increasingly sophisticated technology/equipment and the development of attendant models for use and deployment (tactics) of such technology, many police agencies now encourage full consideration of less lethal use of force alternatives.
Perhaps the best example of how new technology has impacted police policy and practice relative to less lethal use of force is the use of electro-muscular disruption devices. The following provides an illustration:

While many agencies throughout Illinois bought and deployed electromuscular disruption devices, there were no statewide standards for the use of such devices. Customarily, the company selling the device would require training, but such training was not reviewed, approved or certified by a state governmental agency, such as the state POST (Police Officer’s Training and Standards’ Board). One small police agency in Illinois deployed an electromuscular device (three times) on a teenager who had a history of mental illness. The teen died following the incident. The electro-muscular disruption device was later found not to be the cause of death. Nevertheless, there was public outcry charging the police with using inappropriate tactics. As a result, the Illinois State Senate passed a resolution directing the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to conduct a study of the use of electro-muscular devices by Illinois law enforcement agencies and officers, and to recommend Model Policies, Guidelines, and Training for Illinois law enforcement agencies and officers employing such devices. (The complete study can be viewed at www.ptb.state.il.us.)

This edition of the Forum focuses on less lethal use of force by police and related issues of consideration, including policy development, training, deployment, and review/evaluation. Public policy events and decisions, such as the one illustrated above, will become commonplace as new technology and alternative tactics for employing less lethal use of force develop.

Thomas J. Jurkanin, PhD
Senior Editor
Director, Illinois Law Enforcement Training Stardards Board

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