Like other law enforcement agencies across the United States, New Jersey has a policy that addresses the use of force by police . The New Jersey Attorney General's Use of Force Policy was first implemented in April 1985. The purpose of this policy is to serve as a guide to police officers confronted with use of force situations in the part of their duty to preserve the law and protect others. . This essay will provide a summary of the policies and practices of New Jersey's use of force policy. An assessment of these components will be presented with emphasis on the legal sufficiency of policies and procedures. The strengths and weaknesses of the policies will be identified in addition to suggestions for improvement. This essay will conclude with examples and problems associated with less-than-lethal technologies (“Use of Force,” 2000). Every law enforcement officer in the State of New Jersey is expected to follow state laws regarding use of force policy and procedures. . Law enforcement officers have the responsibility to enforce the law. During the performance of this task, there may be occasions where the use of force is a necessary means to successfully obtain compliance and ensure safety. It is essential that force be applied only to the extent necessary and that all other alternatives be exhausted before an officer exercises his or her authority to use force. New Jersey's use of force policy clearly distinguishes between use of force and deadly force (“Use of Force,” 2000). The use of force or less than deadly force includes physical or mechanical force and is authorized when the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to protect the officer or another person from unlawful force, to overcome conflicts middle of paper......Ultimately, officers are responsible for their actions and have a responsibility to act in a professional manner, using force only as a last resort when necessary. There are no other alternatives. References Bulman, P. (2011). Police use of force: impact of less lethal weapons and tactics. Retrieved from http://nij.gov/journals/267/Pages/use-of-force.aspx.Halbfinger, D. (2000). Trenton issues rules to limit police use of force. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/27/nyregion/trenton-issues-rules-to-curb-use-of-force-by-the-police.html. Six, J. (2008 ). New Jersey Attorney General Changes Policy to Allow Use of Less Deadly Force. Southern NewJersey Times. Retrieved from http://www.nj.com/south/index.ssf/2008/03/nj_attorney_general_amends_pol.html.Use of Force. 2000. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/lps/dcj/agguide/uof0600.pdf.