Victimization, stress and use of force among South Korean police officers

This study aims to assess the direct and indirect impact of stress on police use of force among a sample of male South Korean frontline officers (n=574).

Largely drawing on a methodological approach adopted by Manzoni and Eisner the paper employs a structural equation modeling approach.

The study discovered a direct positive influence of operational stress on use of force frequency, even while controlling for police routine activities and police victimization.

The findings of this study and their implications are discussed in depth against the unique South Korean background where frontline officers are routinely victimized by suspects and citizens.