To produce the series Misuse of Force, reporters reviewed more than 1,400 police use of force reports, injury to prisoner reports, and Internal Investigations Section investigation files from 1995 and 1996. A database was constructed from those reports. The reporters also interviewed dozens of people, including police officials, community leaders, witnesses and subjects of police use of force.

The reporters

John Hopkins, 33, has been a reporter for The Enquirer since 1991. He has primarily covered crime and court systems at newspapers in Massachusetts, West Virginia and Ohio in the past 10 years. His recent work has included articles on Hamilton Countyšs death row cases, black on black crime, and the state of Tristate children. He can be contacted at 768-8384.

Mark Braykovich, 36, has been a reporter for The Enquirer since 1986. His recent work has included investigations of Hamilton County juvenile bindover practices, bid rigging in a Metropolitan Sewer District program, and Ohiošs parole system. He can be contacted at 768-8497 or mbraykovich@enquirer.com

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Today's coverage

Force often used in custody GIF (133K)

Process for investigating use of force STORY

Police: Tough job, many critics STORY

Mistaken identities but no apologies STORY

Case stories STORY

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Monday

City's watchdog barks but doesn't bite.

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Tuesday

Experts suggest solutions.

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Making of the series

1,400 cases reviewed STORY

Police response STORY