Understanding and Misunderstanding the Use of Deadly Force Policy Among Air Force Security Police Personnel

摘要

Discusses the importance of clear guidance on when Air Force security police may use their firearms in peacetime. Emphasizes the necessity for security police to know, understand, and be able to apply this guidance. Compares the use of deadly force policy to military peacetime rules of engagement. Analyzes the U.S.S. Pueblo and U.S.S. Stark incidents to relate how unclear rules of engagement and the misunderstanding or misapplication of these rules led to major international incidents. Analyzes current guidance provided to Air Force security police personnel on the use of deadly force as the policy applies to the protection of priority resources in restricted areas, the protection of property in controlled areas, the protection of firearms and munitions, the prevention of serious offenses against persons, and the protection of classified information and material. Analyzes training on the policy. Recommends changes to clarify policy and improve security police training and understanding of the policy. Reports the results of a survey of 215 security police personnel on their knowledge of the use of deadly force policy. (fr)