Police organisation and deadly force: an examination of variation across large and small cities

The use of deadly force is the most extreme form of coercive behaviour available to police officers. In this study, we examine organisational and structural predictors of police use of deadly force for large and small cities in the USA. Using data from the Supplementary Homicide Reports, the 2000 American Census and Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Survey, we use regression models to evaluate the relationship between deadly force incidents and organisational variables. Results indicate that organisational characteristics are more salient for large cities than small ones. Our findings also highlight the importance of studying small city departments.