Using force : experiences of Belgian police officers

The police are authorized to use force in order to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. Since this authorization implies that they are also expected to respect these values and basic human rights while performing their police function, the use of force is not a black-and-white issue. Although there has been plenty of academic attention given to the factors that determine proper use of force by the police, most research in this field is based on police experiences abroad (such as in the US). The aim of this article is to gain insight into the type of force that is most frequently used by Belgian police officers in their daily activities, and to examine the individual and contextual triggers that result in using force. First, the results of an online survey of police officers in three local police zones are presented. Second, qualitative data are used to gain more insight into the factors, individual as well as contextual, that influence the decision to use force. Results show that, according to Belgian police officers, individual and contextual aspects determine the use of force. The authors conclude that police officers should be provided not only with training on typical situations, but also with training to handle unpredictable cases, as well as individual coaching and aftercare. Increased transparency and reporting of the use of force and evolutions thereof could provide basic information to develop training, coaching and aftercare.

BOF-keylabel:ja

IOF-keylabel:ja

BOF-publication weight:0.1

CSS-citation score:1

Auteurs:National

Authors from:Higher Education

Toegankelijkheid:Open