blic perception. Unfortunately, findings in this area, at times, appear contradictory, an outcome in itself that tends to strengthen the perception that police officers get away with unacceptable conduct. One should also remember that police officers themselves are often the targets of violent behaviors by civilians (Abrams, 1991, pp. 37-41).
The application of physical force, intimidation, or coercion by police officers has been found by courts to have been appropriate when individuals are resisting arrest (Assault, 1990, p. 1368), when individuals refuse to voluntarily permit the taking of blood samples in driving under the influence incidents (Assault and battery, 1990, pp. 4-5), when an individual resists taking a breathalyzer test in driving under the influence incidents (Officer's pushing, 1990, pp. 116-117), and in instances where the detained individual is recovering from a recent injury (Officer entitled, 1989, p. 117). Conversely, the application of physic
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