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Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope

Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope

Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope is a retired police lieutenant from the City of Huntington Beach (Calif.) with more than 29 years of active law enforcement service. He's currently active as a police trainer and serves as the program administrator for the California POST Commission Institute of Criminal Investigation, Instructor Workshop Series. He holds a master instructor certificate and has been teaching police tactics and procedures for more than 37 years, specializing in use of force issues, supervision, training and other subject matter. He's a recognized expert at the superior and federal court levels in several states and has been published several times. Cope holds a bachelor's in public administration from the University of Redlands.

content by Curtis J. (Jeff) Cope

The Objectively Reasonable Standard, Part 3

Supervisors must understand the objectively reasonable standard to ensure their officers don't get themselves--and the department--in a lot of trouble

Understanding the Objectively Reasonable Standard

Consider a barfight scenario. How much do you really save if you tell your officers to shortcut field procedure and abbreviate the paperwork?

Understanding the Objectively Reasonable Standard—Taser

Given proper training, adequate policy guidelines, effective supervision, sound tactical applications and competent report writing, the field deployment of the Taser technology can and does satisfy the objectively reasonable standard of care.

Understanding the Objectively Reasonable Standard 'Overcome Resistance' (Part Three)

Your authors entered the law enforcement profession in the late 1960s, at a time when police work was frequently considered a contact sport. Recruits were generally large, Caucasian males with prior military service and perhaps a GED certificate or high school diploma.

Understanding the Objectively Reasonable Standard 'Overcome Resistance' (Part Two)

There is no single correct force option or technique that might be applied to or effective in all circumstances. Hence, the involved officer must exercise judgment and discretion.