Use of Force

The Problem

Police officers are the only government employees whose jobs permit them to carry guns and use force against people in the community. Despite the seriousness of this responsibility, most states provide shockingly little direction about when a police officer can or cannot use force. In fact, most state statutes simply say force can be used any time it is “reasonable.” 

This lack of clarity is one reason for the widespread pattern of excessive force by police — a burden that falls most heavily on Black and Brown communities. When police use excessive force, they undermine the very goals of public safety they are charged with promoting. 

The Solution

The Policing Project’s model legislation approaches police uses of force more holistically than most states’ policies. Our model legislation only allows force when necessary and requires officers to try to de-escalate before using force. It also sets parameters for a wide range of police tactics. Reporting, investigation, and enforcement provisions ensure the law is followed and that communities and lawmakers have tools for accountability. 

To view our two-pager summarizing the key provisions of this statute, click here. 

To read the Policing Project’s Comprehensive Legislation on Police Use of Force, click here.