Essay on Police Brutality and the Use of Force - 2526 Words

There are very few careers with as high demands for an ethical standard as law enforcement. Although there are many careers, which require a dedication to doing the right thing, it is undeniable that there is a tremendous degree of responsibility and expectations placed on the police officer. While most professions allow for careful thought and planning, a police officer is often thrust into a situation with little advanced intelligence about what is occurring. Often an officer is involved in a situation which has the potential to turn violent. Relying on training allows the officer to successfully navigate a variety of situations. After a few years on the job, even the rookie police officer is aware that they live and†¦show more content†¦The application of force is often considered ethically neutral it can, under a variety of circumstances, constitute an abuse of authority. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) defines the use of force as â€Å"th at amount of effort required by police to compel compliance from an unwilling subject† (Police Use of Force in America 2001, n.d, p. 1). The IACP defines the use of excessive force as â€Å"the application of an amount and/or frequency of force greater than that required to compel compliance from a willing or unwilling subject† (Police Use of Force in America 2001, n.d, p. 1). According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (n.d.), in 2005 19% of U.S. residents 16 and over had contact with a police officer. Of these contacts, 9 in 10 felt the police acted properly. During these contacts with approximately 43.5 million persons, an estimated 1.6% had force used against them or threatened to be used (Bureau of Justice Statistics, n.d.). A study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (as cited in Police Use of Force in America 2001, n.d.) shows that force was used 3.6 times for every 10,000 (police/citizen) encounters this suggests that force was not used in 99% of all cases. Statistical data for excessive force is lacking as there is no standard measure in place. Given these figures it is safe to suggest thatShow MoreRelatedPolice Brutality : Use Of Excessive And Unnecessary Force By Police1536 Words   |  7 Pages Police brutality is the use of excessive and unnecessary force by police when dealing with civilians. Police brutality can be present in many ways. The most common form of police brutality is a physical form. Police officers can use nerve gas, batons, pepper spray, and guns in order to physically intimidate or even intentionally hurt civilians. 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