Understanding Police Use of Force and Subject Injuries: From Unarmed Physical Force to Firearms

Police use of force (UOF) can involve a variety of methods and tools. To better understand how operational and situational factors play a role in UOF injuries, it is important that police, criminologists, and medical experts work together. Data from three police departments in the United States (US) indicate that police UOF is rare. When forceful actions were applied by officers, subjects usually experienced no injuries or mild injuries. The likelihood of sustaining an injury was influenced by the UOF method. Understanding UOF events is vital for addressing public misconceptions and it enables officers to make informed decisions when selecting a UOF option by better understanding the potential outcomes associated with each option.