Richard C. Lumb

Impact of pepper spray availability on police officer use‐of‐force decisions

Use of “less than lethal weapons” by police has generated extreme review and controversy in some highly publicized cases. Confronting hostility and aggressiveness, police officers cannot turn away and flee from a dangerous situation, forcing them to select the best available option for controlling the individual. Among the officers’ choice of responses, oleoresin capsicum (OC) pepper spray has proven to be extremely effective. However, this is not a risk‐free weapon, and due to a number of suspect deaths following its use, it has become controversial. Investigates if OC spray reduced the frequency and level of use of force, and if its availability affected the number of suspect and officer injuries.

Policing culturally diverse groups; continuing professional development programs for police

Policing has never been an easy task in a society where the basic rights of individuals take precedence over accusation of criminality and enforcement of the law. The police are faced with countless situations which evoke confrontation and promote disagreement. Often these situations deteriorate to the point where physical force is used, resulting in injury or death. These encounters are often between the police and individuals or groups from different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Confronting this problem and endeavoring to change behavior, police managers’ benefit from a professional development program on aspects of policing culturally diverse groups.