Response to Resistance
Good tactics are essential for keeping communities safe, but understanding the legal side of use of force is just as critical. This course gives officers a solid grasp of the case law that shapes use of force decisions, helping them recognize legally significant factors when responding to resistance.
The course also dives into how stress impacts human performance, and explains both the benefits and limitations of body-worn cameras in documenting use of force incidents. Whether an officer is on patrol, working as a detective, or serving in a supervisory or leadership role, a strong understanding of the legal realities of use of force is key to modern policing.
A thorough knowledge of the law not only helps reduce unnecessary force incidents but also decreases liability for agencies—empowering officers to provide the highest level of service to their communities.
What You’ll Learn
- Use of Force Case Law
- Gain a deeper understanding of the key legal principles governing use of force.
- Recognizing Legally Significant Factors
- Learn to identify the factors courts consider when evaluating use of force cases.
- Stress and Human Performance
- Understand how stress can affect decision-making and actions during high-pressure encounters.
- Body-Worn Camera Realities
- Explore both the strengths and limitations of video evidence in use of force cases.
- Reducing Liability
- Discover how a strong grasp of case law can lower use of force incidents and reduce risk for your agency.
By the end of the course, officers will be equipped to make sound, legally defensible decisions during use of force incidents, helping them serve the public safely and effectively.
