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Joe Callanan

Joe Callanan

A retired sheriff's lieutenant from the County of Los Angeles (CA) with an extensive patrol background including SWAT and special operations, he holds multiple POST Commission certificates and is recognized as a subject matter expert concerning the use of force and deadly force. He has more than 35 years of law enforcement teaching experience and has been published more than 50 times in professional journals and magazines. As an early researcher into officer involved shootings, he assisted in the development of the original "shoot-don't shoot" weapons reaction training systems and the production of several "officer survival" training films. Since the early 1970's, he has been recognized as an expert in Superior and Federal Courts throughout the United States and in the Provincial Courts of Canada and Australia. Mr. Callanan holds BA degree from Pepperdine University and a MA from the University of Southern California, both in Public Administration.

content by Joe Callanan

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.

Understanding the 'Objectively Reasonable' Standard—Prevent an Escape

Historically, law enforcement officers were granted great latitude and discretion concerning the use and amount of force to prevent an escape or to recapture a fleeing suspect. Over the years, various states adopted various standards and individual agencies promulgated a wide array of policies and practices.