Examining Police Brutality: a Persistent Issue in Modern Society

Police brutality has been a longstanding issue, but in recent years, it has received heightened attention and generated significant controversy. This is largely due to the increasing number of deaths involving unarmed individuals across various communities. The perception of police departments as potentially corrupt entities has been gaining traction, as citizens expect law enforcement officers to enforce the law and protect the public without instilling fear or violating civil rights. The excessive use of force by police is not only unnecessary but also a violation of the public's rights.

Numerous reports suggest that people of ethnic backgrounds, especially African Americans and Hispanics, disproportionately experience excessive force during traffic stops, which are among the most common interactions between police and citizens.

This essay delves into instances of power abuse, focusing on racial bias, the extent of physical and excessive force, legal ramifications, and environmental factors that may influence officers' perceptions, leading to the use of excessive force. The phenomenon commonly referred to as police brutality involves intentional physical, psychological, or verbal abuse by law enforcement officials. These officials are uniquely endowed with the legal authority to use physical force as part of their daily duties, making it challenging to determine the appropriateness of the force used. Modern policing is often perceived as a militant mobilization of power, with increasing visibility of racial profiling and perceived systemic corruption, which has given rise to movements like Black Lives Matter and, as a counter-response, Blue Lives Matter.

Racial Profiling

Racial profiling is a critical issue to analyze. A recent survey conducted in North Carolina by Stanford University revealed instances of racial profiling. The study examined over 4.5 million traffic stops in multiple cities across the state, finding a stark contrast in vehicle searches between drivers of ethnic backgrounds, such as African Americans or Hispanics, and white drivers. The data uncovered a pattern of racial profiling or, at the very least, racial discrimination that had persisted for years. Officers were less likely to find controlled substances or weapons during searches of vehicles owned by ethnic individuals. Conversely, searches of vehicles belonging to white individuals more frequently resulted in the discovery of contraband, suggesting that racial bias in searches may have impeded the removal of illicit items from the streets.

The findings from North Carolina are not isolated. In 2011, an analysis of the Maricopa County Police Department in Arizona revealed that Hispanics were at least nine times more likely to be stopped than other ethnic groups. The frequent stops were justified by then-police chief Joe Arpaio as a strategy to combat undocumented immigration in the state. However, it was later discovered that such stops were prohibited by the courts, indicating that Arpaio acted independently, violating state rules. He was subsequently found guilty of criminal contempt but was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Excessive Force and Legal Cases

Instances of racial profiling and discrimination have sometimes led to excessive force and, in some tragic cases, the death of individuals. Police brutality has been a persistent problem, but the case of Graham v. Connor had a significant impact on law enforcement governance. This case involved a victim experiencing diabetic symptoms, Graham, who was on his way to purchase juice to counteract an insulin reaction. His hurried store entry and exit raised the suspicion of Officer Connor, leading to a traffic stop. Despite Graham's diabetic condition, he suffered injuries while in police custody.

Initially, local courts sided with the officers, but the case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Graham. The court established the standard of "objective reasonableness" for law enforcement actions, emphasizing reasonable force in arrests, vehicle stops, and searches. Despite this precedent, police brutality remains prevalent, with 1,147 individuals dying at the hands of police in 2017 alone. The majority of these deaths resulted from police shootings, often in response to non-violent offenses or routine traffic stops. Notably, 149 of the deceased were unarmed, and ethnic minorities were disproportionately represented. High-profile cases like the deaths of Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, and Philando Castile have fueled movements like Black Lives Matter, calling for justice system reform. Despite the high number of deaths, only thirteen officers were convicted in 2017.

Consequences and Accountability

Consequences for police misconduct include the implementation of dashboard and body cameras, job loss through administrative discharge or suspension, and, in rare cases, imprisonment. Merely the accusation of wrongdoing can lead to an officer being reassigned and monitored. Victims of police brutality seek justice through federal and state laws, particularly Section 1983 of Title 42 in the United States Code, designed to curb government officials' tyrannical conduct. While body cameras are touted as accountability tools, research by George Mason University indicates that they have not significantly altered the use of force outcomes.

In conclusion, police brutality remains a critical issue in the United States. Despite technological advances like body cameras and public outcry, greater departmental accountability is necessary. Understanding police brutality requires examining historical events to learn and progress, recognizing that it is not solely a contemporary issue. Research suggests that enhancing pre-employment screening and background checks could help restore public trust in policing agencies.

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