Police Commands & Police Coercion
Police commands are the cornerstone of law enforcement, at once projecting the authority of the state and instantly creating legal obligations for which the failure to comply can result in arrest, detention, or even the use of deadly force. But what are the limits of police commands? When are they lawful and what rights do we have to disobey them when they are unlawful? Professor Rachel Harmon, a leading scholar on police law explains how police commands are the building blocks of police authority and can serve as the foundation upon which a peaceful resolution to a crisis is built. On the other hand, bad commands can create confusion, escalate tensions, and result in unnecessary use of force. Prof Harmon explains the legal limits of police commands and how regulating them can play a critical role in reducing police abuse and unnecessary force.
Additional Resources
Law and Orders – Columbia Law Review article by Prof. Rachel Harmon
Policing the Police – an interview with Prof. Rachel Harmon on the laws restraining police action and governing police accountability.
The Law of the Police – Casebook written by Prof. Rachel Harmon exploring the complex array of federal, state, and local legal rules that govern police encounters with the public. (Aspen Publishing, 2021)
Do you have to comply with police orders? – a 7min legal explainer brief with Prof. Harmon.
