Police Brutality: Excessive Force And Police Abuse ✓ Solved

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Police brutality refers to the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers beyond what is necessary to manage a situation. Such force can be utilized to diffuse incidents or to protect officers or others from harm. The phenomenon has seen a significant increase since the era of the slave trade, with various theories—such as social conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and control balance theory—attempting to explain the underlying causes (Aleo, 2017).

This paper aims to analyze various aspects of police brutality by applying elements of critical reasoning. It focuses on the argument that police brutality cases are steadily rising and explores the historical, social, and legal factors contributing to this trend.

Many researchers trace the root of police brutality to the post-slavery period in the United States, where systemic racial biases intensified. Following the abolition of the slave trade, the economic exploitation of African Americans persisted through institutionalized racism, leading to high unemployment rates among black populations. Consequently, many African Americans turned to criminal activities and drug use as survival strategies (Aleo, 2017). This resulted in increased arrests, which police often used as a means to control minority populations.

The criminalization of African Americans was further reinforced by government policies. Notably, during Richard Nixon’s presidency, aggressive law enforcement targeted Black Americans, claiming it was necessary to curb drug abuse and criminality. However, critics argue this approach disproportionately affected African Americans and contributed to a culture of brutality and racial profiling (Marshall, 2018). The Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted numerous instances where police violence resulted in the deaths of African Americans, such as Jamar Clark, Jeremy McDole, and Akai Gurley, whose cases garnered public outcry and protests (Yakam, 2019).

Research indicates that police officers working in groups are more likely to use excessive force than when operating alone. Group dynamics can influence officers’ behavior, increasing the likelihood of brutality. Cases like the shooting of Jamar Clark by two officers exemplify this phenomenon. Clark was reportedly handcuffed when shot by officers Dustin Schwarze and Mark Ringgenberg, with subsequent investigations clearing them of wrongdoing (Von Robertson & Chaney, 2019). Similarly, Jeremy McDole was shot and killed while in a wheelchair after police responded to a report of a gun threat, and the officers involved were not prosecuted. In another case, officers fired upon Akai Gurley during an evening patrol after hearing a noise, resulting in his death from a stray bullet (Yakam, 2019).

Despite these cases, some scholars argue that a small percentage of police officers are responsible for abuses and that the entire law enforcement community should not be equally condemned. Others contend that legal frameworks, such as the Fourth Amendment, lack comprehensive protections against police brutality. The Fourth Amendment limits searches and seizures but does not explicitly address the excessive use of force, which leaves room for interpretation (Aleo, 2017).

Critical analysis of the debate reveals strengths and weaknesses in the arguments. Many support the view that systemic racism and historical policies have fostered an environment conducive to brutality. For instance, statements from former presidents like Nixon and Clinton suggest that the government’s strategies, including harsh crackdowns on Black communities, inadvertently perpetuated violence (Marshall, 2018). Conversely, some scholars argue that police officers are generally well-trained and that misconduct is rare. They emphasize that biases and behaviors vary among officers, and media portrayals often generalize the problem, leading to stereotypes (Holmes, 2017).

Furthermore, claims that the lack of strict regulations solely causes police brutality are simplistic. Reforms, such as bans on police torture and discrimination policies, have been implemented, aiming to protect human rights. Nonetheless, critics assert that these measures are insufficient and that more targeted policies are needed to address racial biases and reduce brutality (Aleo, 2017).

In conclusion, my personal observations suggest that while some police officers demonstrate professionalism and compassion, a chronic issue persists with others who use excessive force, especially against African Americans. The recurring pattern of brutality indicates systemic issues rooted in historical racism, legal gaps, and policing culture. To mitigate these problems, I propose that the government assign Black police officers to predominantly Black communities and white officers to white communities. This approach could foster better understanding and trust, ultimately reducing incidents of brutality. Sustained reforms, enhanced training, and community involvement are essential in creating a more equitable law enforcement system.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Police brutality remains a critical issue within modern law enforcement, characterized by the unwarranted use of excessive force against civilians, particularly marginalized groups such as African Americans. Historically rooted in systemic racism and socio-political policies, police brutality has been amplified by various institutional and cultural factors. This paper examines the origins and current manifestations of police brutality, applying critical reasoning to analyze arguments, evidence, and potential solutions.

The origins of police brutality can be traced back to the post-slavery era in the United States, where the transformation from slave societies to modern policing did not eliminate racial prejudices. Instead, historically, law enforcement agencies have often been complicit in enforcing racial hierarchies, using force to suppress Black communities (Aleo, 2017). These historical injustices laid the groundwork for contemporary incidents of violence and racial profiling by police officers. Critical theories such as social conflict theory posit that structural inequalities perpetuate violence, with policing serving as a tool to maintain existing power dynamics (Marx & Engels, 1848).

Empirical evidence demonstrates that police officers working in groups are more prone to engage in brutality. Group behavior can lead to diffusion of responsibility and increased aggression, a psychological phenomenon supported by social psychology research (Aleo, 2017). Incident cases further exemplify this, such as the killing of Jamar Clark in Minneapolis, where reports indicated that officers involved did not act alone but as part of a collective, often escalating the use of force (Yakam, 2019). Furthermore, cases such as Jeremy McDole and Akai Gurley's deaths highlight how force is often used disproportionately against African Americans, perpetuating systemic racial violence (Von Robertson & Chaney, 2019).

Legal frameworks like the Fourth Amendment aim to protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures but do not explicitly address the use of excessive force. Critics argue that this legal gap contributes to the persistence of police brutality, urging reforms to include clear limitations on force and consequences for violations (Aleo, 2017). Meanwhile, some defend police conduct, emphasizing the necessity of training and individual accountability, claiming that most officers act professionally and that brutality is the exception rather than the rule (Holmes, 2017).

The strengths of arguments supporting reform focus on the recognition of systemic racism, historical context, and documented cases of abuse. Reforms such as community policing initiatives aim to foster better relationships between law enforcement and communities. However, critiques highlight that superficial policies and lack of enforcement hinder progress, and structural issues remain unaddressed (Marshall, 2018). The failure to adequately regulate and scrutinize police conduct perpetuates a culture of impunity.

In conclusion, police brutality is a multifaceted problem rooted in historical, social, legal, and cultural factors. Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach: reforming existing laws, diversifying police forces, implementing community-based policing strategies, and fostering accountability. Assigning Black officers to predominantly Black neighborhoods may foster trust and reduce tension. Ultimately, systemic change driven by policy, education, and community engagement is necessary to minimize instances of brutality and build a more equitable justice system.

References

• Aleo, C. (Ed.). (2017). Critical Perspectives on Effective Policing and Police Brutality. Enslow Publishing, LLC.
• Holmes, M. D. (2017). Police brutality. In The Cambridge Handbook of Social Problems (pp. 245-261). Cambridge University Press.
• Marshall, L. (2018). An examination of police brutality in the United States: Living and working in a state of fear. Journal of Social Justice, 33(4), 15-27.
• Von Robertson, R., & Chaney, C. D. (2019). Police Use of Excessive Force Against African Americans: Historical Antecedents and Community Perceptions. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Yakam, L. T. (2019). Police officers' perceptions of the people's complaints regarding police use of excessive force in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Contemporary PNG Studies, 30, 21-34.
• Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. International Publishers.