Use of Force by Law Enforcement: An Evaluation of Safetyand Injury

• DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3181c45302
• Publication Date: 2010-03-25T06:29:20Z
• Authors: Jared Strote; Erik Verzemnieks; Mimi Walsh; H. Range Hutson
• Keywords: Medical record; Police department

Background: Little is known about the frequency and types of injuries sustained from law enforcement use force (UOF). The purpose this study was to examine injury patterns subject conditions after UOF under real-life conditions. Methods: A retrospective cohort design used every by a single police department January through December, 2006. Data were collected forms as well medical records included surrounding UOF, histories, data emergency (ED) evaluations hospital admissions. Results: Of 888 individuals subjected during period, 86.9% men average body mass index 25.8. Ages ranged 10 77 years; juveniles comprised 5.6%. police, 73.7% blows with arms or legs; 15.9% Taser, 4.6% capsicum spray, 1.7% K-9, 0.7% impact weapons, 0.2% firearms. 630 (70.9%) records, 78.7% had substance abuse psychiatric history. ED occurred for 187 (21.1% of) incidents. When laboratory workup occurred, 75.5% positive urine toxicology 45.9% ethanol levels. Admission in 15.5% (29) presentations (3.3% all subjects); these, 9 (31.0%) UOF-related injury. Two subjects died: one result firearm suicide UOF; both declared dead on scene. Discussion: Significant related city rare only deaths use. large percentage those diagnoses and/or conditions, most admissions problems unrelated UOF.