Course: Introduction / Policing
Police brutality is the use of force by police in excess of what is reasonably necessary to accomplish a legitimate criminal justice purpose.
Police brutality refers to the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers in the course of their duties. The use of excessive force by police officers can result in serious injury or even death to individuals who are subject to the use of force. Police brutality is a serious issue that has received significant attention in recent years due to high-profile incidents.
The use of force by police officers is governed by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. The Fourth Amendment requires that any use of force by law enforcement officers be reasonable and that the level of force used be proportional to the threat posed by the individual being detained.
Excessive force by police officers can take many forms, including physical violence, the use of chemical agents such as tear gas or pepper spray, and the use of electronic devices such as Tasers. The use of excessive force can result in serious injury or death and can lead to civil rights violations and other legal consequences for law enforcement officers.
The use of force by police officers is subject to review and oversight by internal affairs departments, independent oversight committees, and other entities. In addition, the courts have established a number of legal principles that govern the use of force by police officers, including the use of force continuum, which establishes guidelines for the use of force based on the level of resistance or threat posed by an individual.
In recent years, police brutality has become a highly controversial issue, with many individuals and organizations calling for increased accountability and oversight of law enforcement officers. High-profile incidents of police brutality have sparked protests and civil unrest in many communities and have led to calls for police reform and changes in police training and tactics.
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- Zoorob, M. (2020). Do police brutality stories reduce 911 calls? Reassessing an important criminological finding. American sociological review, 85(1), 176-183.
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Last Modified: 07/26/2023