Police Use of Force

In this section we focus on the use of force by the police – sometimes against the very people they are paid to protect – which continues to be an extremely problematic issue in America. In spite of the many, many police reform efforts of the last decade, the police still kill about 1000 people a year. Justified or not, the police use of deadly force can almost instantly tear apart the relationship between the police and the community. Here we discuss use of force issues occurring today and examining how it can be reduced in the future.

Addressing police use of force requires navigating an array of systemic factors, from training protocols, community relations and legal frameworks to technological innovations such as body cameras. While body cameras might offer increased transparency and accountability, they should not be seen as a panacea; what's necessary instead is an evidence-based dialogue involving all parties involved - police officers, policymakers and communities- to develop more efficient policing practices and evolve the police culture to one that is framed around a “peacemaking” philosophy.

Smartphones and social media have revolutionized how public opinion is formed regarding police use of force. Everyone can now act as a citizen journalist, quickly sharing footage of police-citizen interactions that either hold officers accountable for missteps or distort the complexity of high-stress situations. As a result, public perception is frequently split, with some viewing such incidents as evidence of systemic abuse while others justifying actions taken under threat of serious bodily injury or death.

The digital era has transformed our view and understanding of police use of force, but its easy dissemination also presents unique challenges, including potential misinterpretation and the polarization of public opinion. As societies grapple with these issues, a balanced, informed approach that addresses both individual incidents as well as larger systemic ones is key to rebuilding trust between police forces and communities they serve.