Animosity, Bigotry, and Corruption in The Police Force
Throughout history, members of authority--such as police officers--have abused their power. Police brutality is more common than one may realize, mainly because their high status adds a false sense of justification to the use of unnecessary and excessive force. Legally, officers are permitted to use force when required, and are expected to do so for the safety of the society. Often times, however, the use of force is unjustified and too extreme, leading to injury and the potential death of an innocent individual. Nevertheless, this brutality is not always physical; police officers have verbally and emotionally abused and dehumanized others through the use of intimidation. A police officer is
…show more content…
Worst of all, this misconduct is potentially led by prejudice, as there are many racial disparities in the police force. In order to deconstruct racism and reduce the amount of injuries and deaths caused by some police officers, punishments for this behavior need to be solidified and pre-established laws regarding discrimination need to be clarified. There needs to be an increase of awareness in the media to properly address the situation from an educated point of view and put an end to police brutality.
Police officers are allowed to use force, but only in situations that cause endangerment. This is outlined by the National Institute of Justice, explaining that “an officer’s goal is to regain control as soon as possible while protecting the community. Use of force is an officer’s last option — a necessary course of action to restore safety in a community when other practices are ineffective” (____________). Officers go through years of
“Frequent exposure to media reports of police abuse or corruption is a strong predictor of perceptions of misconduct and supports the belief that is common.” (France-Respers 1). But unfortunately, it also brings me disheartened feelings. Recently, I was on twitter and I stumbled across a video of a young white male who was roughly about twenty to twenty-five years of age who was being handled so aggressively by about six officers while he was NOT resisting.
All throughout America, individuals are taught at a young age that police officers are always the “good guys.” Police officers are painted to be trustworthy, honorable, and advocates of justice. This idea is often displayed in the media through television shows, movies, and news specials. For some, this idea still holds truth, however there are many, particularly individuals of color, whom would quickly disagree. Numerous persons of color have been subjected to racial profiling by officers resulting in stops, searches, and false accusation of crimes.
One common opinion is that officers should not use more force than is necessary or reasonable, and even then, that force should be used only as a last resort. “Police use force to affect civilians’ conduct. On a day-to-day basis, they do so most often by employing the least degree of force available to them, their mere presence. Cops wear uniforms and drive distinctly marked cars so that, without saying a word, they may have an effect on citizens’ behavior” (Fyfe, 38). When an officer’s presence fails to fulfill the desired conduct, the next course of action for said officer would be verbalization.
The use of excessive force by police officers has been an issue since the riots which occurred in the United States during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. There have been many documented examples of the consequences of police use of force, and especially use of force against racial minorities on community disorder. Probably the most relatively well-known incident is the beating of Rodney King which resulted in the 1991 LA riots. But the use of lethal force by police has resulted in similar, if not more destructive consequences in other cities.
Most of the police officers misuse their positions in law enforcement, possibly due to “power trip”, and are no help to citizens. The allegations of brutality, in the case of Officer Johannes Mehserle, focused on whether or not the officer was guilty of a wrongful death towards Oscar Grant. According to officer Mehserle, he alleges that he thought the gun was his Taser, but instead was his handgun that shot Grant.
There isn’t just one cause of the police excessive use of force it is a collective matter. Law enforcement agencies training plays a part in it and so does the supervision and discipline of the officers. The individual accountability plays a key role in the problem also and so does the courts, because there haven’t been any real problem solvers for officers who use unnecessary use of force. There needs to be multiple things done for there to be a true remedies to stop officers for using unnecessary use of force on civilians. We are supposed to trust law enforcement in all situations no matter what race you are.
Police officers are sworn in with the responsibility of serving and protecting the public. Members of the public expect their local police departments to keep their community safe, and protect them from danger and harm. Lately, police-citizen relationships have been strained as a result of problematic police behaviors and citizen encounters. Police use-of-force has become a pressing issue in modern society and has caused distrust and a lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies. Tragedies such as the deaths of Michael Brown, Erick Garner, and Sandra Bland has fueled the public’s outrage and suspicion of local police officers.
In continuing this vicious cycle, it sets the stage for tragedy and further catastrophe. As a result, this creates the feeling of anxiety that can lead to pretense and creates the nature of suspicion that surrounds people. This leads to the misconception and misjudgment that leads not only to police brutality, but feeds the beast of systematic racism. It enhances the spirit of racism that is prevalent across society. Within our police departments and system of justice, the issue of police brutality has been erected in ways that disproportionately impact poor, minority communities.
MaCree Smith English 3 14 January 2017 The Arguments About Police Brutality Police Brutality is an ongoing problem in the United States and should be resolved immediately. Law enforcement must operate as an organization that is organized and civilized. Police brutality is becoming more of an issue as the nation grows. Police Brutality and police work itself is extremely dangerous.
Department of Justice, the Police Foundation pursues to improve policing in America. This separate research group set out to find out what evokes excessive force in the policing community. The use of force is relatively rare however when it occurs it is extreme. The researchers interviewed several officers of different police departments, to question them about the use of force within there police officers. Twenty two percent of officers said that their partners use additional force than needed.
This report is showing light to the communities’ response to police brutality particularly in the black communities and also their encounters with police officers. Police brutality is physical violence and great cruelty demonstrated by a police officer. Police brutality and misconduct have existed for many decades and it even has been broadcasted in news stories over America, but nothing has changed. It has happened predominantly to African Americans in lower-income states. Police officers are given slaps on the wrist for taking a life or injuring an innocent person.
In some cases, police officers exert excessive force on individuals. The amount of force should be necessary for the situation. For example, a police officer should not use a weapon because a civilian will not obey an initial command. In the article, When Does Force Become Excessive?,
Police brutality remains a common yet controversial topic around the world. Police brutality is “the use of excessive and/or unnecessary force by police when dealing with civilians” (thelawdictionary.org). It’s a topic that segregates communities and makes each other their enemy. Specifically, a white officer has been the enemy of the black community. Unfortunately, the tension between police and blacks grew over the past few decades.
Police Brutality is an ongoing problem and existent concern in the United States and should be resolved immediately. Law enforcement must function as an element that consists of organized and civilized officers. The presence of police brutality is becoming more of an issue as society grows. The problem posed by the illegal exercise of police power is an ongoing reality for individuals of a disfavored race, class, or sexual orientation. Police brutality must be stopped so that police do not forget who they are serving – not themselves, but the public.
Force is what police officers are legally allowed to use to apprehend a suspect or gain control of an incident. The article also states when the officer deems it necessary to use force, it has to meet the standard of reasonableness. Then, the ultimate force that an officer can use is deadly force. Deadly force is force that can cause death or great bodily harm but this is restricted to forcible felonies. Additionally, Police use of force.