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David Maliar
University of New Haven
Policing is a profession that operates in a nuanced environment. There is no single or correct way to approach the various, constantly evolving, and sometimes hazardous situations that police encounter. The most rigorously studied procedures seek to determine what is best for the country. Quality research should lead to sound procedures, but not all methods are infallible. There are several reasons a procedure could fall short, ranging from implementation problems to real-life situations that the research may not have accounted for (del Pozo et al., 2025; Thacher, 2019). In policing, the good faith doctrine is a modification to the exclusionary rule that allows evidence obtained (potentially) in violation of established procedure to be admitted if the officer was acting with genuine good intent (Stone, 1982). Another example would be the use of force. The use of deadly force can be justified if the situation warrants, based on factors including a reasonable officer’s perception of the incident in the moment (Graham v. Connor, 1989).