There are various definitions of “excessive” that have been offered: Excessive force occurs when officers use an amount of force greater than what is needed to gain compliance in a situation (Micucci and Gomme, 2005), more force than an “experienced” officer would employ in that situation (Klockars, 1996), or more force than what is recommended by administrative, professional, or legal guidelines (McElvain and Kposowa, 2004). Of particular concern, of course, is “excessive” use of force. This seems especially important in today’s climate and culture where there is extreme scrutiny of use of force and where such actions can co-occur with profanity. Perhaps the most important reality acknowledged by all three authors and many others is that profanity affects perception. Glennon (2010) acknowledged the above issues but also observed that in the real world of policing, “a well-placed profanity is sometimes necessary.” He also argued that profanity may indeed also have a role in training. He, too, noted that foul language can make a situation worse and an officer look bad. Marcou (2014) supported this view, stating that the number one way to “avoid poking the bear” in law enforcement situations is to avoid using profanity. He further argued that intensity and tone of voice, facial expression and body language are the factors that provide emotional and behavioral impact more than a profane word itself. He suggested that using profanity in law enforcement situations can “set someone off,” make an officer appear unprofessional and uncontrolled, and have a negative impact on court proceedings. George Thompson (Verbal Judo), he answered with a resounding NO. Klugiewicz (2005) asked whether police officers should swear at subjects, and, based on the communication work of those like Dr. The differing views of police profanity have been addressed in several articles already on Police1. And just as profanity varies in nature, content, function it serves, and acceptance across cultures, so does it in the world of policing.

Swearing, cursing, profanity.whatever it is called, is part of the human experience (Patrick, 1901).

Public perception definition