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Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope

Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope

Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope is a retired police lieutenant from the City of Huntington Beach (Calif.) with more than 29 years of active law enforcement service. He's currently active as a police trainer and serves as the program administrator for the California POST Commission Institute of Criminal Investigation, Instructor Workshop Series. He holds a master instructor certificate and has been teaching police tactics and procedures for more than 37 years, specializing in use of force issues, supervision, training and other subject matter. He's a recognized expert at the superior and federal court levels in several states and has been published several times. Cope holds a bachelor's in public administration from the University of Redlands.

content by Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope

Understanding the 'Objectively Reasonable' Standard—Prevent an Escape

Historically, law enforcement officers were granted great latitude and discretion concerning the use and amount of force to prevent an escape or to recapture a fleeing suspect. Over the years, various states adopted various standards and individual agencies promulgated a wide array of policies and practices.

Understanding the 'Objectively Reasonable' Standard Effectuating An Arrest

Most arrests are accomplished with low to moderate force options. The authors firmly believe that the emphasis on deadly force has diminished the more frequently required skills and understandings for the simply, routine and even mundane arrest event. Essentially, all arrests involve the use of force.

A Guide to Life After Law Enforcement

Many of those getting close to that magic date say they will spend their time fishing, golfing, traveling or other leisure recreational ideas. Many say that they will never work another day in their lives. I say to those who say they will never work another day in their lives, "You should rethink your thoughts on your retirement lifestyle."

What Is the Standard On Use of Force?

Many practitioners proudly point to their educational degrees and training certificates that infer that police work is a science when, in fact, it is more of an art and a craft consisting of learned behaviors and protocols. Reading any first report of a police incident will clearly demonstrate the individual and "subjective" nature of police work and in the art of report writing.

Understanding the 'Objectively Reasonable' Standard

The authors offer two remarkable examples of the administrative ignorance concerning the objectively reasonable standard. The two examples were apparent in the aftermath of two separate off-duty shooting incidents involving well-experienced officers from different law enforcement agencies.

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