An Analysis of the San Marcos Police Departments 2004-2005 Use of Force Data
Date
2005-05
Authors
Kopycinski, Julie E
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Abstract
Research Purpose: The three research purposes presented in this paper are exploratory in nature. The research analyzes the subject's gender and race the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is encountering. It will also determine if there is a relationship between the subject's race and gender and the amount of aggression they display as well as the amount of force an officer uses. Finally, an evaluation occurs to if there is a relationship between the level of resistance shown and the level of force employed by the officer.
Method: This paper cites scholarly literature regarding the use of force to incorporate past research findings. The analysis is quantitative and utilizes statistical techniques, including frequency and Chi-square for Goodness of fit. The research analyzes existing data from the San Marcos Police Department for 2004 and 2005. The data-set contains 543 entries of force.
Findings: The findings indicate that the San Marcos Police Department interacts with White Males the most. However, there is no relationship found between race and the level of force officers display. There is a significant relationship found between race and the level of subject resistance. Hispanics use deadly force assault significantly more than the other races. In terms of resistance, females are significantly less likely to display psychological intimidation and verbal resistance towards an officer. Officers are more likely to display a weapon when a subject exhibited defensive resistance. Defensive resistance also yielded the highest number of intermediate weapons utilized.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Spring 2005.
Keywords
police, force, use of force, force continuum, police subject characteristics, San Marcos, Texas, Public Administration
Citation
Kopycinski, J. E. (2005). An analysis of the San Marcos police departments 2004-2005 use of force data. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.