Assessing the Relationship Between Police Use of Force and Inmate Offending (Rule Violations)

The study found, after applying relevant controls, prisoners subjected to police violence were more likely to engage in assaults and other rule violations, especially those who did not resist police authority. Consistent with the cycle of violence hypothesis, findings suggest violence perpetrated by legal authorities produces similar effects to exposure to violence in general. Moreover, the consequences of police use of force are especially problematic when the recipient fails to perceive his or her treatment was fair, which supports the theoretical perspective on procedural fairness and legitimacy. Policy implications are discussed. (Publisher abstract modified)