Police Brutality: The First Cases Of Police Brutality

Police brutality is a deadly weapon used against minorities. The very first cases of police brutality date as far back as the 1800’s and early 1900’s. In recent years, much debate has arisen about whether or not policemen/women should be held accountable for their abusive actions. Physical assault among the police force and the public have become more persistent. While some audiences feel that excessive force is deemed necessary, more and more people are beginning to realize that police officers are abusing their powers and using excessive force among the public. The minorities. The poor. The people who pose little threat. Overall these three phrases above have one detail in common—they are the victims of police brutality. America’s …show more content…

“84 percent of police officers report that they’ve seen colleagues use excessive force on civilians, and 61 percent admit they don’t always report ‘even serious criminal violations that involve abuse of authority by fellow officers” (Weisburd). Some officers come into question themselves if they should report a fellow colleague mishandling. They are scared that them speaking up about their mishandling will result in hostile treatment that might come with speaking up about their coworkers misconduct. In the end they decide to turn a blind eye when they see their peers using unnecessary force. Their mistreatment of civilians is disgusting. Even though these are serious offenses worth being reported to authorities that is not what happens. Rather than making sure that this unacceptable and inexcusable behavior is never used again the officers, colleagues and Departement are making sure that their dangerous actions never come to light. Considering that “people in minority communities have long suffered from persistent abuses by police” cases like these need to be reported. These numbers are astonishing. Police officer jobs are to protect us and be selfless, but they are just doing the opposite. Instead they are protecting themselves and being selfish. Although some reports of police brutality are exaggerated it is smart for people to still speak up about the issue. Yes in some instances people …show more content…

An officer may use deadly force in only five circumstances. The five circumstances go like this: self defense, defense of others, to prevent the theft from using nuclear weapons or explosives, special nuclear devices, and to prevent a suspect from escaping, but only if the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect has committed any offenses that are listed above. Sixty nine percent of the victims of police brutality in the United States who are African-American/Black were suspected of a non-violent crime and were unarmed. People who are unarmed pose NO threat. “Police departments across the country too often use excessive force, injuring and occasionally killing people who pose little threat”