Police officers’ opinions of the use of unnecessary force by other officers

This study examined the assumptions that the use of unnecessary force is acceptable to police officers and they are unlikely to report its use to a supervisor. Suspect characteristics, situational aspects, and examples of force were integrated into vignettes. Officers from three small departments responded to two vignettes. Officers accept unnecessary force if a suspect flees, but not the use of physical force. Police officers are doubtful that any other officer will report the use of force to a supervisor when a suspect appears to be involved in criminal behavior. Research limitations and directions for future research are discussed.