  We investigate the behaviour of the mutual friction force in finite
temperature quantum turbulence in $^4$He, paying particular attention to the
role of quantized vortex reconnections. Through the use of the vortex filament
model, we produce three experimentally relevant types of vortex tangles in
steady-state conditions, and examine through statistical analysis, how local
properties of the tangle influence the mutual friction force. Finally, by
monitoring reconnection events, we present evidence to indicate that vortex
reconnections are the dominant mechanism for producing areas of high curvature
and velocity leading to regions of high mutual friction, particularly for
homogeneous and isotropic vortex tangles.
