Military and Police
A use of force doctrine is employed by police forces, as well as soldiers on guard duty, to regulate the actions of police and guards. The aim of such a doctrine is to balance security needs with ethical concerns for the rights and well-being of intruders or suspects. In the event that members of the public are injured, this may give rise to issues of self-defense as a justification. In the event of death, this may be a justifiable homicide.
U.S. soldiers on guard duty are given a "use of force briefing" by the sergeant of the guard before being assigned to their post.
"The only difference between lawful force for police and civilians is that peace officers are not given the option of fleeing the scene to avoid confrontation."
Indeed, soldiers on guard duty will be severely punished for "abandoning their post" if they leave before being "properly relieved".
For the English law on the use of force by police officers and soldiers in the prevention of crime, see Self-defence in English law. The Australian position on the use of troops for civil policing is set out by Michael Hood in Calling Out the Troops: Disturbing Trends and Unanswered Questions and, for comparative purposes, see *Keebine-Sibanda, Malebo J. & Sibanda, Omphemetse S. "Use of Deadly Force by the South African Police Services Re-visited". .
Read more about this topic: Use Of Force
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