Week 2 Police Use of Force Ethics

Police Use of Force

Police use of force is typically justified but in the few cases where it is unjust, the public remembers very well.    Cities that have policing units with a history of incidents involving excessive use of force or using force for sport continue to drive trust rifts between the population and the people sworn to protect them.  In some cities racial outcries occur because one minority group may feel like they are targeted and abused much more than another.  Media hype, slander and misconceptions can amplify any police force incident and broadcast to the whole city in an effort to improve those media outlets ratings (Jefferis, Butcher, Hanley, 2011).

            Media outlets can be wordsmiths of lies, deception and blowing things out of proportion.  Yet, many people believe what they hear in television or read in the newspaper or word of mouth.  Studies have found that 35% of urban populations believe what they hear in regards to the police on television.  This kind of statistic shows the power the media controls over the police and local government.  This kind of power can be easily misused or abused but also can keep the ethics of the police force in line because if they were to overstep their boundaries then the media would be able to sway a good portion of the population (Jefferis, Butcher, Hanley, 2011).

            Most major cities have a large variety of races.  Minority groups often voice concern that they are the targets of extra police attention.  Statistics have shown that a disproportionate amount of minorities are involved in police force than the majority group in most cities.  This sort of statistic and constant policing further drives a rift of trust between minority groups and police officers.  This disproportionate policing leads to ethical questions and ethical studies being conducted on police departments across the country (Jefferis, Butcher, Hanley, 2011).

            In conclusion, there are many factors involved in the public perceptions of police use of force.  Especially when videos are released of two or three police officers assaulting a 120 pound female who is following their directions.  Some police officers use excessive force and seriously injury people which results in a large, negative public perception that can tarnish a police department’s reputation.  

Jefferis, E., Butcher, F., & Hanley, D. (2011). Measuring perceptions of police use of

             force. Police Practice & Research, 12(1), 81-96.   

            doi:10.1080/15614263.2010.497656