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Identifying situational predictors of police shootings using multivariate analysis

Michael D. White (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA)

Policing: An International Journal

ISSN: 1363-951X

Article publication date: 1 December 2002

1735

Abstract

Prior research on the police decision to use deadly force has tended to neglect multivariate relationships, particularly at the situational level. This paper makes use of data describing deadly force incidents in Philadelphia during two time periods (1970‐1978 and 1987‐1992) and employs multivariate analyses to identify situational predictors of police shootings involving gun‐assaultive suspects. Findings from the multivariate analyses are then used in a pilot effort to develop predictive risk classifications of deadly force incidents. Identification of predictors of deadly force is helpful not only in assessing the relative contributions of situational variables but also in shaping our understanding of the behavior of line officers who are forced, by the nature of their work, to make split‐second decisions involving life and liberty with minimal guidance and support from the police department.

Keywords

Citation

White, M.D. (2002), "Identifying situational predictors of police shootings using multivariate analysis", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 726-751. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639510210450659

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited

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