As the world continues to strive for better uses of force in policing and public safety, stop force is becoming increasingly popular. Stop force, as defined by the National Institute of Justice, is “a law enforcement technique that utilizes de-escalation tactics and community engagement strategies prior to or in lieu of using traditional law enforcement tactics.” With stop force, law enforcement are encouraged to engage with community members to solve problems rather than using force first.

Stop force has many positive benefits that make it a desirable choice for policing. For one, it helps to foster relationships between law enforcement and community members, which is a critical part of policing. When officers engage with community members, it helps build trust and empathy, and that can lead to better cooperation and outcomes.

Additionally, stop force can help to reduce the use of force in policing. This means that officers are less likely to use physical force when dealing with a situation. This in turn helps to improve the public perceptions of law enforcement and reduce tensions between police and the public.

The use of stop force can also help to reduce the number of citizen complaints about police conduct. Because the focus is on de-escalation, officers are less likely to engage in unprofessional or inappropriate conduct. This can lead to fewer complaints and better community relations overall.

Lastly, stop force can help to reduce the risk of injury to officers. By engaging with community members instead of escalating the situation with physical force, officers can reduce their risk of being injured in the process. This not only makes sense from a practical standpoint, but it can also reduce costs associated with medical care and legal fees.

Overall, stop force offers positive benefits for both law enforcement and the public. By reducing the risk of injury, complaints, and tensions, it helps to foster a healthier, more positive relationship between police and the community. As such, it is a valuable tool for creating safer and more equitable policing practices.