What is the relationship between an officer's training and the occurrence of excessive force?

The relationship between an officer's training and the occurrence of excessive force is significant, with better training playing a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of excessive force incidents. Comprehensive training equips officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle various situations more effectively. This includes understanding de-escalation techniques, appropriate use of force guidelines, and recognizing when to apply non-forceful methods to resolve conflicts.

As officers become more proficient in these skills through training, they tend to develop better decision-making abilities under stress, which helps them avoid resorting to excessive force. Strong training programs emphasize the importance of using force as a last resort and provide officers with strategies for managing encounters that may otherwise escalate. Thus, a well-trained officer is generally more adept at controlling situations without excessive force, effectively contributing to a reduction in such occurrences.