1.34 Proportionality and use of force

Academic team: Professor Graham Pike and Dr Zoe Walkington
Policing partners: West Midlands Police
Academic partners: Professor Mark Levine and Dr Richard Philpot from Lancaster University
Status: Complete

Proportionality, particularly as it relates to ethnicity and legitimacy, is very important for policing and the issue is high on every force agenda.

The goal of the current project is to explore interactions that involve use of force between West Midlands Police officers and citizens, by analysing body-worn camera footage.

The research aims to determine whether the actions and behaviours of both officers and citizens differ depending on a range of factors, including ethnicity.

News

What does the next decade of evidence-based policing look like? Join us for the CPRL Engagement Day on 21 January 2026

This event provides a collaborative and welcoming environment for shared practice, reflection, and strategic direction-setting. Together, we will explore how our partnership can drive forward the next generation of research, innovation, and professional learning across UK policing.

27th October 2025