• E4J University Module Series: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

• Module 4: Use of Force and Firearms

• Introduction and learning outcomes

• Key issues

• • Topic 1.  The context for use of force by law enforcement officials
  • Topic 2.  The legal framework
  • Topic 3.  The general principles of use of force in law enforcement
  • Topic 4.  The use of firearms
  • Topic 5.  The use of "less-lethal" weapons
  • Topic 6.  The protection of especially vulnerable groups
  • Topic 7.  The use of force during assemblies
  • Summary
  • References

• Exercises

• Case studies

• Possible class structure

• Core reading

• Advanced reading

• Student assessment

• Additional teaching tools

• Guidelines to develop a stand-alone course

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• First published in March 2019
  

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  This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Possible class structure

 

This section contains recommendations for a teaching sequence and timing intended to achieve learning outcomes through a three-hour class. The lecturer may wish to disregard or shorten some of the segments below in order to give more time to other elements, including introduction, icebreakers, conclusion or short breaks. The structure could also be adapted for shorter or longer classes, given that the class durations vary across countries.

• Aims of law enforcement and reason for the use of force [20 minutes]
• Review of key human rights impacted by policing [15 minutes]
• General principles governing use of force in law enforcement [30 minutes]
• International standards on police use of firearms [35 minutes]
• Human rights law: the duty of precaution [20 minutes]
• Accountability for use of force [20 minutes]
• Case study [25 minutes]
• Review of case study and final questions/wrap up [15 minutes]

 

Next: Core reading

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