Police Brutality

In recent years, with easier access to information due to the internet, cases of police brutality and misconduct are appearing at an alarming rate all over the internet. It is in no doubt becoming more apparent to the public eye that the citizens are now paranoid or alarmed not only around criminals, but also around police officers. This paper will discuss situations where lethal methods were used in non-lethal situations, police accountability, and possible solutions to decrease police brutality and misconduct. Police brutality and misconduct can be defined and interpreted in many ways. Different perspectives must be evaluated to properly decide whether the officer performed unlawfully or inappropriately. An officer has a license to kill if,

What happens if an officer discharges his or her armed weapon upon another human-being multiple times? The punishment for murder yield the harshest sentences, and if found guilty can face either the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Demian Bulwa, an editor for SFGATE.com writes, “in the past 20 years, at least 17 police officers in the United States have been charged with murder for their actions in line-of-duty shootings” and I was shocked that not even one officer was convicted of a charge. No other profession can outright murder without facing serious repercussions. A physician can be sued for malpractice if found guilty of negligence. An officer found committing homicide someone is put on administrative

However, citizens in high crime areas are not privileged to attend and receive a proper education for a variety of reasons. Howard Zinn speaks about the American dream, and the policies and priorities of our previous presidents in chapter 21 of a People’s History of the United States. Zinn expresses how these policies have widened the power and wealth between the poor and rich. Zinn describes a struggling mother in search for employment and having to sell her own bed to pay for her car’s insurance. Many people believe that if you work hard enough and follow the rules that you will become rich and wealthy. Despite having the required college degree and experience, the economic system was unable to supply her with a job that pays a sustainable wage. What kind of example does this teach her children? It is understandable that these kids see no alternative other than theft to help pay the bills. They are more likely to repeat the cycle of poverty like many poor families do, unless the government intervenes and shows improvement. Without the proper knowledge and the proper economy, officers will exploit those less fortunate and violate their