Use of Force
The Use of Force section examines the protocols, training, and legal considerations surrounding the application of force in correctional facilities. This directory offers articles and resources on when and how force is justified, de-escalation techniques, and the impact of force on both staff and inmates. Understanding the use of force is essential for maintaining safety while ensuring that actions comply with legal and ethical standards. For related training, explore our section on Defensive Tactics.
Nicholas Kieffer pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and other charges in the death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility
The conviction of the former Southern Regional Jail lieutenant is part of a broader federal investigation that has led to guilty pleas from six other COs
A Lorain County corrections officer is accused of hitting an inmate’s head into a wall; he has been placed on administrative leave
The report found that violence is so common that some COs consider it normal
The incident began when the inmate allegedly started a disturbance while receiving medications at the Cumberland County Jail
While no laws were broken, the DA said a jail isn’t an appropriate environment for inmates with mental illness
To ensure the force you are using is within the bounds of what is legal, appropriate and covered by your agency’s policies, keep these four goals in mind
An investigation was opened after an inmate died while being treated for injuries allegedly inflicted on him by COs
“If misconduct occurred, those responsible will be held fully accountable for their actions,” a Florida Department of Corrections official said
The attack came just three days after another officer at the same facility was placed on paid leave for an outburst during a statewide moment of silence for George Floyd
The state is reviewing whether Cumberland County Jail COs used excessive force; it will also determine if COs provided the inmates with proper medical care
Your written report can turn what was a volatile and unpredictable incident into an example of a sensible and rational response
A statement said Dominic Davidson responded by putting on rubber gloves, pushing the man down and hitting him “numerous times in the head and body”
The allegations are that at least 20 corrections officers shouted taunts, shot tear gas into jail cells and beat inmates for no reason
Simply using a police model is a mistake as it lacks the specific content that is unique to corrections
When the pads of the GLOVE come into direct contact with human skin, it generates pain compliance
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating how the inmate stole the pepper-spray device
The case hung on the jury’s interpretation of video footage of the COs restraining a resistant inmate with a history of assaulting officers
Body camera footage shows Jerry Miller argue with an unidentified officer before being picked up and thrown down
Handcuffed suspects and inmates can still be a deadly threat to officers, whether on the street, in a jail or in prison
Cheryl Weimar and her husband, Karl, said in their lawsuit that her civil rights were violated
The incident was contained to an isolated area
A fourth CO has been charged with a felony over use of force captured on video by an inmate using a smuggled cellphone
The video was taken by an inmate using a smuggled cellphone
Consider a roundtable discussion of these two cases during roll call training
The five-minute video was filmed July 8 though a window screen by an unidentified inmate
It is critical you stay informed with all current state law that governs how jails and prisons operate, especially in regard to use of force
Police have completed their murder investigation into the March shooting death of a 47-year-old inmate who escaped
We need to support those who do the right thing
Switching to cell phones to record use of force has transformed how officers engage, respond and learn
Make sure to share your results and challenge your colleagues to match or beat your score
Inmates with mental illness can make your job harder and pose an increased safety risk
There are several steps correctional officers can follow to write a use of force report that is both a thorough and accurate account of events
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