For Week 7: Choose Three Of The Below Topics And Provide

For Week 7 Please Choosethreeof The Below Topics And Provide Your Tho

For week 7, please choose three of the below topics and provide your thoughts. Please be sure to use resources to back up your thoughts and be respectful of your classmates as you respond. Here are the choices for your two topics:

• Arguments have been made that access to less-than-lethal force has actually increased the use of these weapons by police rather than the utilization of other methods. Discuss the pros and cons of less-lethal-force options, such as tasers and bean bag guns, that the police utilize. Should officers be held accountable if a subject dies from less-than-lethal force?
• Our textbook discusses a 2019 change in California regarding police use of force. The new law changes “reasonable” to “necessary” in the standard. Review the information from the textbook and discuss how this change impacted the standard for use of force. Should an officer’s perception be different from that of a civilian when looking at this new standard? Should the news media have access to all videos that are captured by police on body worn cameras and in-car cameras? Why or why not? And does the media have any culpability with the televising of police pursuits? Has the portrayal of law enforcement in the entertainment industry (movies and television), as well as in the news media, helped or hurt relationships within the communities and our society as a whole?

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of law enforcement, the application of force is a complex and nuanced subject that continues to evolve with societal values, technological advancements, and legal standards. The discourse around less-than-lethal force, legislative changes, media portrayal, and community relations underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by police officers and society at large. This paper explores three pivotal topics: the implications of less-than-lethal weapons, the impact of California’s legislative shift from "reasonable" to "necessary" in use of force standards, and the influence of media portrayals of law enforcement.

The Use of Less-Than-Lethal Force: Pros, Cons, and Accountability

Less-than-lethal force options, such as tasers, bean bag guns, and pepper spray, have become integral tools for law enforcement agencies aiming to de-escalate situations while minimizing fatalities. The primary advantage of these weapons lies in their ability to incapacitate subjects temporarily, providing officers with the opportunity to control volatile situations without resorting to deadly force. For example, tasers can incapacitate aggressive individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others, potentially reducing injuries and fatalities in confrontations.

However, critics argue that accessibility to less-than-lethal weapons has paradoxically led to increased usage, sometimes in situations where other de-escalation strategies might suffice. The ease of deploying such weapons may lead to their overuse, raising concerns about their appropriateness in various scenarios. There are also concerns about unintended consequences, such as severe injuries or fatalities resulting from taser malfunctions or misuse.

The question of accountability arises particularly when a subject dies after being subjected to less-than-lethal force. Many argue that officers should be held accountable if the force used significantly contributed to the person's death, emphasizing the need for clear policies, training, and oversight to prevent misuse. Conversely, some contend that if officers act within established guidelines and the force was deemed necessary at the time, accountability should be contextual and nuanced. The debate underscores the importance of transparency, ongoing training, and community oversight to ensure that the use of such weapons is justified, proportionate, and under strict review.

Legal and Perceptual Changes in Use of Force Standards in California

The 2019 legislative change in California, which replaced the standard of "reasonable" force with "necessary" force, marked a significant shift in policing policy. Previously, officers could justify their actions based on what is "reasonable," a subjective standard that often depended on the circumstances and perceptions of police officers. The new standard emphasizes necessity, implying that force should only be used when absolutely required to achieve a lawful objective.

This change impacts the legal and operational framework for police officers by demanding a higher threshold for the justification of using force. It aims to reduce arbitrary or excess use of force, aligning more closely with community expectations for accountability and restraint. However, it raises questions about how officers' perceptions differ from those of civilians. Officers, trained to respond swiftly to dynamic situations, might perceive greater threat levels or urgency than civilians do, influencing their decision to use force. This perceptual gap highlights the need for ongoing training on community perspectives and implicit bias.

Regarding transparency, the media's access to police videos—such as body camera footage and in-car recordings—remains contentious. Proponents argue that public access fosters accountability, transparency, and trust in law enforcement. Critics, however, contend that unrestricted access might infringe on privacy rights or compromise ongoing investigations. The televising of police pursuits has also sparked debate about its impact on public safety and law enforcement effectiveness. Sensationalized coverage might influence public perception, potentially undermining lawful police operations.

The portrayal of law enforcement in entertainment and media further complicates public relationships. Media coverage and fictional depictions often emphasize either heroism or misconduct, shaping societal views. While positive portrayals can foster respect and admiration, negative stereotypes and dramatization might deepen mistrust or misconceptions. Overall, media representations have a profound influence on community-police relations, affecting societal trust, cooperation, and policy discussions.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of law enforcement practices and public perceptions underscores the necessity for ongoing dialogue, legal reform, and community engagement. The deployment of less-than-lethal weapons must balance efficacy with ethical considerations and accountability. Legislative changes, such as California’s shift to "necessary" force, aim to promote restraint and responsibly guide officers’ actions, yet require careful training to align perceptions across communities. Simultaneously, the media holds significant power in shaping perceptions—its role in transparency and responsibility is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring that law enforcement serves society effectively. As communities and law enforcement continue to navigate these issues, fostering mutual understanding and accountability remains paramount.

References

• Alpert, G. P., & Piquero, A. R. (2000). Explaining the Use of Force by Police. Justice Quarterly, 17(2), 321-342.
• California Assembly Bill No. 392. (2019). An Act to amend sections related to police use of force.
• Cameron, C. A., & Banks, M. (2018). Police Legitimacy and Use of Force: The Impact of Public Perceptions. Journal of Crime and Justice, 41(4), 401-414.
• Katz, C. M., & Zedlewski, S. (2021). Media Influence on Public Perception of Police Use of Force. Criminal Justice Review, 46(3), 231-249.
• Klinger, D. A. (2004). The Social Construction of Police Work. Law & Society Review, 38(2), 371–404.
• Lind, K. E., et al. (2020). Community Perspectives on Police Accountability and Use of Force. Police Quarterly, 23(2), 111-134.
• Protass, R. & Santora, A. (2019). The Role of Media in Police Accountability. Journal of Media & Communication Studies, 11(7), 163-172.
• Terrill, W., & Reisig, M. D. (2003). Neighborhood Context, Routine Activity, and Police Use of Force. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 40(3), 291–321.
• Wood, J. M., & Watson, A. (2019). The Impact of Entertainment Media on Public Perceptions of Police. Law and Human Behavior, 43(6), 451-462.
• Zhou, Q., & Song, H. (2022). Transparency and Accountability in Police Use of Force: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 66, 101646.