Why police use of force is misunderstood and how bad policies make it worse

The use of force by law enforcement remains one of the most scrutinized and debated aspects of policing. While officers receive extensive training on force applications, public perception and policy shifts often reshape how they can respond to threats.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Joshua Coleman, vice president of the California Force Instructors Association (CALFIA), about the importance of evidence-based training, legislative challenges and why officers often find themselves caught between policy expectations and real-world dangers.

In the discussion, Coleman explains why CALFIA was founded, the challenges of navigating force policies in a post-2020 landscape and how California's legislative changes have impacted officers' decision-making in critical incidents. He also highlights how misconceptions about techniques like the carotid restraint have led to policy decisions that, while well-intentioned, may ultimately put both officers and suspects at greater risk.

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