Which of the following documents influence an officer's use of force?

The influence of agency policy and training manuals on an officer's use of force is pivotal. These documents provide standardized guidelines that dictate how officers should respond in various situations, including the circumstances that may justify the use of force.

Agency policies are often formulated based on legal standards, best practices, and the organization’s established protocols. Training manuals further reinforce these policies by detailing the methods and techniques officers are expected to utilize during confrontations. This foundational knowledge shapes an officer’s approach, ensuring that their actions align with legal and ethical expectations, as well as the operational priorities of their agency.

While personal diaries, public opinion surveys, and courtroom testimonies may have some relevance in a broader sense, they do not offer the same direct and structured guidance that agency policies and training manuals provide. Personal diaries reflect individual opinions or experiences, public opinion surveys gauge societal attitudes, and courtroom testimonies deal with the legal ramifications of actions taken, which are all more circumstantial compared to the consistent and enforceable nature of policy and training documents.