National Consultation on Safety and Force

The proceedings of the National Consultation on Safety and Force held on December 11-13, 1979, are presented in the report. The consultation highlights the concern of the Community Relations Service, an arm of the Department of Justice, with the issue of alleged police use of excessive force. The consultation objectives were to identify key issues and problems related to police-minority community relations, to explore alternatives and solutions to the problem, and to develop a working trilateral (black, Hispanic, police) relationship geared toward crisis response and problem-solving. The opening remarks addressed the need for an approach to developing a better understanding between minorities and law enforcement agencies. Four case studies in Colorado, California, Washington, and Texas, were presented to illustrate successful community-police efforts to increase safety and reduce the use of police force. A small-group session considered eight questions regarding issues in race relations, police use of force, and options to reduce the use of force. Panel discussions considered options for both the police and for community groups on reducing tension and conflict which could lead to the use of excessive force. Other panel discussions considered special problems in municipal liabilities which arise from the increasing number of civil suits based on alleged police brutality, special problems of nonurban police departments, and the obstacles and opportunities to progress in the area of police use of excessive force. An audio-visual presentation provided a training demonstration of police officers under stress.