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Understanding Police Use of Force
In recent years, the debate surrounding police use of force has taken center stage, as civil rights leaders and media outlets spotlight incidents that seem to suggest a rise in police violence. However, delving deeper into the data reveals a more nuanced reality. While there is an undeniable perception of an epidemic, statistics from credible sources depict a different narrative.
Data That Challenges the Narrative
According to the CDC, the average annual deaths resulting from police use of force has historically stayed below 500 over the last decade. This startlingly low figure contrasts sharply with public perception. A significant poll by the AP-NORC found that nearly half of the respondents believe that police violence is a serious issue, a dramatic increase from 32% in 2015. Yet, the broader context shows that over 99.9% of police encounters are resolved without violence, and an astonishing 95% of officers never discharge their firearms.
Historical Context of Police Shootings
The New York Police Department, one of the largest policing bodies in the nation, has exemplified this decline with a striking 90% reduction in officer-involved shootings over recent decades—from 810 incidents yielding 93 fatalities in 1971 down to just 57 incidents with 11 deaths in 2019. This trend reflects broader systemic efforts to innovate and improve policing strategies, demonstrating both accountability and a commitment to public safety.
Legal Framework and Objective Reasonableness
Understanding the legal framework around police use of force is essential. Established by the U.S. Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor, the standard of 'objective reasonableness' helps determine whether an officer’s use of force was justified. Rather than relying on subjective feelings or beliefs, this judgment is made based on what a reasonable officer would do given similar circumstances.
The guidelines require that police officers consider the totality of circumstances when deciding on their approach to a suspect. As noted by John Bostain, a senior instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, when officers issue commands or engage physically with suspects, they are legally 'seizing' them. This distinction is key to understanding lawful use of force in high-stress situations.
Common Misconceptions About Police Policies
There is often confusion about police use-of-force policies, with many believing that officers must always opt for the least intrusive method when apprehending suspects. However, as outlined by retired Minnesota peace officer Duane Wolfe, no legal framework demands that officers select the least force alternative. The Supreme Court hasn't defined force in any strict manner, acknowledging the unpredictability inherent in these scenarios.
Addressing the Myths
A Lexipol report sheds light on these misconceptions while recommending that police departments align their policies with the standards set forth in Graham v. Connor. This approach emphasizes evaluating the severity of the crime and the threat posed by the suspect at the time of the incident, rather than applying rigid standards that do not reflect the complexities of law enforcement duties.
In the realm of policing, understanding the realities of force usage is not just a matter of statistics. It addresses the crucial relationship between law enforcement, public perception, and the legislation shaping community safety. Debunking these myths not only aids in building trust between police officers and their communities but also grounds policy discussions in factual data - a necessity for effective public safety governance.
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