Building respect for the badge: the management of the use of force by police

Excessive use of force by the police undermines their authority. This paper provides a framework for managing the use of violence by police. It aims to give practical guidance to police managers on how to reduce the use of force in a way that supports achieving high standards, honour and public respect - and thus enhance publicly accountable policing in South Africa.

Topics and tools covered include a discussion of:

• general characteristics of situations involving the use of force
• the purpose of the use of force
• several types and levels of force used
• evaluating the use of force
• conducting an administrative review
• structures and systems impacting on the use of force.