The Use of Deadly Force by Police Officers ✓ Solved

The topic I chose for my PowerPoint Research Assignment is The Use of Deadly Force by Police Officers. This is currently a real-world issue happening nation-wide. It has caused many people to lose their faith and trust in our police officers. I find this to be the most interesting topic of them all and while it is very broad, because of everything currently ongoing in the world, it is very easy to narrow down as well. While many are starting to lose this trust, changes need to be made for people to understand that not all police officers are bad. This can possibly begin increasing the trust of citizens in our communities.

In my research assignment, I will be focusing on statistics and situations that have happened within the last five years. I will also be discussing some policy changes that some states are currently working on and providing recommendations or opinions on the training of law enforcement officers. Many people believe that race has a lot to do with police officer reactions in certain instances. I will research and provide statistics on the races that the use of deadly force by police officers mostly affects.

Lastly, I will also discuss how the nation has turned to protesting, rioting, and looting as an outcry for state and local governments to change their policies and hold officers accountable for their actions when a justifiable excuse is lacking.

Statistics on Deadly Force Use by Police Officers

The use of deadly force by police has been heavily scrutinized, particularly in the context of racial disparities. According to Kramer & Remster (2018), data indicates significant racial disparities in police use of force during investigatory stops, leading to disproportionate impacts on minority communities. Statistics show that Black individuals are more likely to be stopped and subjected to the use of force compared to their white counterparts. For example, between 2015 and 2020, data collected from various metropolitan police departments indicated that Black individuals represented approximately 30% of those subjected to deadly force, yet they only constitute about 13% of the population in those communities (Kramer & Remster, 2018).

Moreover, research by Ariel et al. (2016) highlights that the presence of body-worn cameras can change the dynamics of police interactions. Interestingly, police officers equipped with body cameras reported an increased likelihood of utilizing force, a finding attributed to officer discretion rather than the cameras serving as a deterrent. This paradox raises critical questions about the efficacy of body cameras in promoting accountability within law enforcement.

Policy Changes and Recommendations for Law Enforcement Training

There have been several calls for policy changes in light of high-profile cases where police have used deadly force. Bascaramurty (2017) notes that policies aimed at increasing oversight of police actions, including mandatory reporting of all use-of-force incidents, have gained traction across various states. Furthermore, improving the protocols surrounding the use of deadly force is essential; for instance, officers should receive enhanced training on de-escalation tactics and recognizing situations in which lethal force is unwarranted.

Additionally, training related to cultural competency and implicit biases within police departments has become increasingly vital. Fagan & Campbell (2020) argue that understanding the underlying social dynamics at play can greatly benefit law enforcement in their community policing efforts. By integrating discussions around race and bias into training curricula, law enforcement can work towards a more equitable approach to policing.

The Societal Impact of Police Use of Deadly Force

The societal repercussions of police use of deadly force are far-reaching. Since the onset of significant protests following incidents of police violence, there has been a marked increase in public scrutiny of law enforcement agencies. Peeples (2019) emphasizes that public perception of police is integral to community relationships, wherein trust can significantly influence cooperation with law enforcement. As communities express outrage over police killings, the unrest has prompted protests advocating for systemic changes to policing practices.

The protests have also led to heightened media coverage and public discourse surrounding the complexities involved in policing, which complicates community trust. This renewed focus necessitates a shift from a punitive enforcement model to one that emphasizes community engagement and proactive measures. Importantly, to bridge the gap between police and communities, departments must cultivate transparency and foster dialogues about community safety and police conduct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of deadly force by police officers remains a topical and significant concern in contemporary society. The persistence of racial disparities in policing calls for urgent policy reforms and a re-evaluation of training practices within law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, fostering community trust and increasing transparency are pivotal to transforming the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve. As society continues to reevaluate policing in the wake of widespread protests and calls for accountability, the challenge remains to create a justice system that prioritizes fairness, equity, and respect for all individuals.

References

  • Ariel, B., Sutherland, A., Henstock, D., Young, J., Drover, P., Sykes, J., ... Henderson, R. (2016). Report: Increases in police use of force in the presence of body-worn cameras are driven by officer discretion: A protocol-based subgroup analysis of ten randomized experiments. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 12(3).

  • Bascaramurty, D. (2017). Ontario to release full reports of police officers' use of deadly force, improve oversight. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from [source]

  • Fagan, J., & Campbell, A. D. (2020). RACE AND REASONABLENESS IN POLICE KILLINGS. Boston University Law Review, 100(3).

  • Kramer, R., & Remster, B. (2018). Stop, frisk, and assault? racial disparities in police use of force during investigatory stops. Law & Society Review, 52(4), 960.

  • Peeples, L. (2019). WHAT THE DATA SAY ABOUT POLICE SHOOTINGS. Nature, 24(26).