The Use of Force in Criminal Justice 2nd ed

This textbook addresses the how, why, and when of utilizing force against citizens in a democracy. This second edition of the first true textbook on this topic offers students and instructors a balanced, research-based approach to understanding the use of force in law enforcement, as well as in corrections and juvenile justice settings. Hough includes features to reinforce key concepts, including “What-Why,” “Try This,” “Going Global,” and “Research Results” boxes.

The Use of Force in Criminal Justice combines academic and practitioner perspectives, making the book well-suited for undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal justice as well as professional training and executive education. The text is accompanied by online resources such as PowerPoints, lesson notes, and a test bank. It is an invaluable aid for force trainers, risk managers, and attorneys who must understand the research on force and force issues rather than the rhetoric of individual anecdotes and personal system-of-force concepts.

About the author: Richard M. Hough is Professor of Practice in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Hough was a career-long law enforcement and corrections practitioner, administrator, and trainer, and he continues to consult in the areas of criminal justice management, policy, security practices, and use of force. A law enforcement officer beginning in 1979, he has been a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) since 1987. He has taught police defensive tactics and force dynamics at the police academy for 35 years. He is an active expert witness in the US federal court system, focusing mainly on the use of force, police and corrections practices, and criminal investigations. He is the author or co-author of five textbooks. Hough has been named International Ambassador of the British Society of Criminology, and in his role as BSC Ambassador, he spent the 2019 Fall semester visiting and lecturing at institutions throughout the United Kingdom.