Problematique of Use of Excessive Force by Law Enforcement Officials in Securing Public Order

Abstract

News and/or claims on excessive use of force by law enforcement officials to civilians have been placed in media outlets. Not only in Turkey, but also in all the world, excessive use of force is considered as a violent act independent from its having a legal basis. It is occured both in physical form and in the form of threats, gestures, intimidation and abusive language. This article investigates use of force by law enforcement moving from the general literature and specifically focuses on the problem of excessive use of force in Turkey regarding both legal basis of use of force and determinants of applying excessive force. Discussion in the article depends on literature, face-to-face interviews, and media sources. Determinants of excessive use of force are argued to have legal, organizational, individual, political and technical aspects. At the end, some policy implications for policymakers and practitioners on preventing excessive use of force will be discussed