Understanding Police Brutality: Definition and Examples

Police brutality can be defined as the abusive and unwarranted use of force by law enforcement officers. This abuse can range from minor manipulation of laws to serious physical and psychological harm. According to various instances, police brutality can be categorized into two broad types: minor and major.

Minor Examples of Police Brutality

Minor examples include the misuse of laws, such as arresting individuals for recording police activities when it is legal to do so. Additionally, police may threaten citizens with arrest for exercising their rights, such as the right to protest or record police activities.

Major Examples of Police Brutality

Major examples often involve the use of excessive force against individuals who are not posing a significant threat or who are already restrained. Common forms of excessive force include pepper spraying, tasering, beating, and kneeling on a compliant person. For instance, repeatedly punching a frail-looking or small woman to detain or arrest her would be considered police brutality, while repeatedly punching a big muscular man or kneeling on his neck to restrain him, under appropriate circumstances, would not.

The Complexity of Addressing Police Brutality

Addressing police brutality is a complicated and multifaceted issue. One of the primary barriers is the reluctance of police departments to acknowledge and address abuse within their ranks due to a strong defense of their own interests. There are various solutions proposed to combat this issue, one of which is to mandate that officers intervene and stop any abuse of power if they witness it. Another is to swiftly charge police officers who violate laws and rights, and to enforce harsher sentencing for such violations.

Disputing the Perceived Scale of Police Brutality

The notion of widespread police brutality is often exaggerated. According to the United States Department of Justice, only 0.04% of peace officers are deemed unfit for the job, which is better than the percentages found in other professions like doctors, lawyers, or clergy members. Police use force or the threat of force in less than 2% of their interactions with civilians. A 2018 study by the U.S. Department of Justice, 'Contacts Between Police and the Public 2015', found that out of the 53.5 million U.S. residents age 16 or older who had contact with police during the prior 12 months, only 2 percent had experienced threat or use of force.

Combatting the Myth of Rampant Unarmed Shootings

Another misconception is that police officers frequently kill unarmed citizens. However, this is not an accurate portrayal of reality. A 2018 report by the Texas Public Policy Foundation indicated that 85 percent of officer-involved shootings since 2005 involved the use of a deadly weapon by a suspect. This dispels the myth of large numbers of officers killing unarmed individuals.

Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

While the issue of police brutality is complex and contentious, it is essential to approach it with a balanced understanding of both the realities and the narratives that perpetuate it. By focusing on factual data and solutions that promote accountability and reform, we can work towards a safer and more just society for all.