ARCHIVED - Use of Force
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One of the features that distinguish policing from other occupations is the lawful authority given to police to apply force when circumstances call for it.
The use of force is a continuum. Responses range from verbal commands to the use of lethal force. In rapidly evolving situations police have to decide whether to ignore, back off, confront or coerce a citizen. If they choose to use force, police are required to limit it to that which is appropriate in the circumstances.
In October 2008, the Director of Police Integrity, Victoria Australia Police commissioned a review of the effectiveness of the policies, data collection, reporting, training and monitoring of the use of force by and against Victoria Police members.
Please click on the link below to learn more about this issue.
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