Research Symposium

BIO

Hello, my name is Bella Rios, and I am a junior at Florida State University studying International Affairs with a concentration in Public Administration. My greatest aspiration is to pursue a career in International Human Rights Law. My research interests center on the prosecution of human rights violations on a global scale, with a special focus on the roles of international courts and the state’s accountability in addressing injustices. In my free time, I serve as a Student Senator In FSU’s Student Government Association, where I advocate for the Student Body’s interests in the form of policy-making. I am enthused by my current research, because it has served as a wonderful foundation for understanding human rights and how policy influences procedural actions pertaining to those rights.

A review of Police Use of Force Policies in Florida

Abstract

This research project examines how the adoption of "8 Can't Wait" policies within law enforcement protocols impacts the reduction of police use-of-force incidents. Police use of force has become a prominent issue, especially following tragic cases of civilian deaths in police custody. In response to these incidents, there has been growing pressure to reform law enforcement's approach to handling resistance. This project specifically conducts a systematic review of use-of-force policies across various city and county police departments in Florida. These policies were gathered through public records requests and email inquiries. The study will assess which jurisdictions have implemented the "8 Can't Wait" policy proposals, as well as an additional policy requiring the provision of emergency medical services in urgent situations. After completing the review of these policies, the project will analyze any potential statistical correlations between the policies and reported use-of-force incidents.

Keywords: Analysis, Force, Law, Policy, Police,