Summary of "Lecture 7 Minimal Force"

Summary of Lecture 7: Minimal Force

This lecture focuses on the concept of police use of force, particularly within a Canadian liberal democratic context. It explores the philosophical, legal, and practical dimensions of why police must use the minimal amount of force necessary, the assumptions underlying police authority, and the challenges related to legitimacy and community consent.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Context and Structure of the Lecture Series

This lecture is part of a series covering police use of force, policing racialized communities, and police corruption.
Previous lectures addressed policing definitions, history, the role of the state, and policing demographics.

Definition and Importance of Use of Force

Use of force is a defining feature of policing.
Police are expected to use the minimal force necessary to maintain law and order, not to establish it.
Maintaining law and order differs from establishing it; police assume compliance from most citizens and presume they have superior force.

Assumptions Police Make

Presumption of Compliance: Police expect most people to obey commands.
Presumption of Superior Force: Police have greater resources and manpower than individuals or groups, ensuring they can regain control.

Police in a Liberal Democratic Society

Police are part of the community, not separate from it.
Police power derives from the government, which in turn derives legitimacy from the people.
The ethos of minimal force aligns with democratic and liberal principles to prevent tyranny and protect minority rights.
Police must protect everyone, including suspects, who are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Police are not judges or executioners; their role is to enforce laws with legitimacy and minimal intrusion.

Legitimacy and Consent

Police power is legitimate only with community consent.
Consent can be partial or fractional (e.g., during protests).
When police lose legitimacy, their authority and presumption of compliance break down.
Some communities (e.g., Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ+) may view police as illegitimate or hostile.

Use of Force Monopoly Myth

Police do not have a complete monopoly on force; others (security guards, parents, teachers) can also exert force.
What makes police unique is their near-unlimited competence to use force anywhere in society but expected to do so minimally.

Demand vs. Supply of Force

Police use of force should be understood not only as supply (what police do) but also demand (what the community expects).
Studies show communities often want police to resolve crises quickly with proportional, minimal force.
Selective policing exists: marginalized communities face more police force but also demand more police intervention.
State policies and legislation can influence police behavior in racialized or low-income communities, but police discretion also plays a role.

Models of Police Use of Force

One Plus One Model (Common in Canada/North America): Police escalate force by one step above the threat (e.g., if suspect has a knife, police draw a gun).
One Minus One Model (Seen in Britain): Police use force one step below the threat, emphasizing de-escalation and professional risk-taking.
The lecture favors the one minus one model, arguing for better training and professionalism rather than immediate escalation to lethal force.

Philosophical and Practical Questions

Should police use force primarily to protect the public or themselves?
How much risk should police accept in their duties?
The decision between models reflects broader societal values about policing and safety.

Lecture Structure and Additional Content

The next lecture will focus on policing racialized communities, featuring an expert interview.
The instructor encourages student engagement and questions.

Detailed Methodology / Instructions (Implied)

Police should:

Use the minimal amount of force necessary to maintain order.
Operate with legitimacy derived from community consent.
Protect all parties involved in incidents, including suspects.
Avoid acting as judge, jury, or executioner.
Consider community expectations and demands for force.
Prefer de-escalation tactics (one minus one model) over escalation.
Recognize and address selective policing and its impacts on marginalized communities.
Maintain professionalism and training to manage risk without immediate resort to lethal force.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker: The course instructor (unnamed in transcript)
Referenced Individuals:
- Winston Churchill (quoted on democracy)
- John Stuart Mill (referenced on minority rights)
Interviewee for Next Lecture: An expert woman on policing racialized communities (name not provided)

This summary captures the core ideas, philosophical underpinnings, and practical considerations of police use of minimal force as discussed in the lecture.