Police Use Of Deadly Force

About Rick
A North American Focus on Research - The Police Use of Deadly Force

Sgt. Rick Parent is a 26-year serving police officer, having completed his Ph.D in the area of police shootings that have occurred in the United States and Canada (2004). Rick's Master of Arts thesis entitled "Aspects Of Police Use Of Deadly Force In British Columbia - The Phenomenon Of Victim-Precipitated Homicide" (1996) was the first in depth research paper, conducted under academic rigor, to be published pertaining to the phenomena now more commonly known as "suicide by cop". The supporting research and many of the issues identified within this document were based upon previous U.S. research studies pertaining to victimology as well as standard American police agency training.

This research document received international attention upon public release. Copies of the thesis have been distributed throughout the world, by request. The thesis, and its focus of "suicide by cop", have since been the topic of national radio and television programs that include the CBS New York production of "The Public Eye", with Bryant Gumble.

In addition, portions of his research has been cited or reprinted in several U.S. magazines and U.S. national newspapers that include the New York Times, the Washington Post and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Rick's research has also been published in the American Academic Journal "Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management" - Volume 21, Number 3, 1998 as well as several articles in U.S. Law Enforcement Publications that include the "Police Chief", "Law and Order" and "The Tactical Edge" and within F.B.I. publications. Rick was also quoted within Time Magazine in regards to a police shooting resulting in the death of 5 individuals.

Rick's doctoral research is based upon over 400 shootings that have occurred in the United States as well as over 400 police shootings that have occurred in Canada. The police shooting data and supporting information was supplied by US and Canadian police agencies, State, County and City Prosecuting Attorneys, Chief Coroners, Medical Examiners and, police officers themselves.

Sgt. Rick Parent, Ph.D.