The impact of officer tenure on injury outcomes in law enforcement encounters

Police use-of-force encounters, though rare, pose serious injury risks. This study examines whether officer tenure predicts injury outcomes for both officers and suspects during use-of-force incidents. Using logistic regression on 762 Miami-Dade cases (2002–2006), this study finds that officer tenure was not linked to officer injury but negatively predicted suspect injury. Experienced officers may manage encounters more effectively, reducing harm. Conducted energy device (CED) use corresponded with reduced injury odds for both parties, while canine deployment increased the risk of suspect injury. Suspect resistance and soft-hand control were associated with a higher likelihood of injury. Findings align with social learning and naturalistic decision-making theories on experience shaping police behavior and outcomes.