Police Officer Use of Force Mindset and Street-Level Behavior

Abstract

Police use of force has been the focus of a number of external assessments of the occupation for over 50 years. Recent concerns have, once again, prompted calls for additional research on the correlates of this behavior, especially as it relates to officer use of force mindset. Relying on a framework articulated as part of a use of force symposium of academics and practitioners, the current study utilizes survey and behavioral data from officers in six police agencies to examine dimensions of use of force mindset among officers, and the degree to which attitudinal mindset influences use of force behavior. The implications for police scholarship and practice are discussed.