Shannon Briley On Police Use of Force Issues and Problems

When it comes to law enforcement, the idea of cops using force is still a very sensitive and important topic. It’s crucial to understand the complexities of this issue as society seeks to balance public safety and individual rights.  Shannon Briley discusses police force issues in this discussion. She intends to simplify this complex topic and create a conversation that will lead to a more equitable future.

Understanding Police Use of Force

Police use of force is a complicated idea that is very important to how law enforcement works. To understand the problems and issues surrounding this topic, it is important to have a solid knowledge of it. In this part, Shannon will talk about what police use of force is and how it works. We’ll also look at the laws and rules that govern it, and we’ll talk about the different levels of force and what they mean.

• Legal Framework and Guidelines

Law enforcement has to follow rules and frameworks when they use force. This is to make sure they are held accountable and stop crimes. Most of the time, these structures are made up of parts of the Constitution, laws, case law, and departmental policies. In the United States, the Fourth Amendment and other constitutional rights have a big impact on how cops can use force.

Courts have set up different ways to judge whether or not an officer’s use of force was fair. As explained in the landmark case Graham v. Connor (1989), the “objective reasonableness” test looks at an officer’s actions from the point of view of a reasonable officer on the scene and takes into account all of the facts.

Also, police departments often make their own rules and processes about when and how to use force. These rules emphasize de-escalation, proportionality, and minimizing harm when officers use force.

• Different Levels of Force and Their Implications

The way police use power is not the same for everyone. It includes a range of force choices, each of which has its own effects and things to think about. Most of the time, these levels of force run from low-level tactics to more serious interventions:

• Verbal Commands & Presence: Firstly, oficers use verbal orders and assertive communication to get people to do what they want and keep the situation under control.

• Empty-Hand Control: Secondly, techniques like joint manipulation, pressing on pressure spots, and strikes with open hands are used to gain control and make sure someone does what they are told.

• Less-Deadly Force: Additionally, police officers can use less-deadly weapons like tasers, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and bean bag rounds to stop or control people without killing them.

• Lethal Force: Finally, when someone’s life is in danger right away, police officers may use guns to protect themselves or others. Lethal force is the highest amount of force that can’t be taken back.

By understanding force, how the law defines it, and the varying levels of force, we may begin to address the most pressing police use of force issues. Shannon Briley will discuss training requirements, unconscious prejudice, excessive force, and accountability in future posts.

Pressing Issues and Problems

When cops use force, there are many problems that need to be solved. Some of these are the lack of consistency in training methods, the effect of implicit bias, the use of too much force, and problems with accountability and transparency.

• Lack of Uniformity in Training procedures: Police use of force problems are made worse by training procedures that vary from place to place. Standardized and rigorous de-escalation and conflict resolution training is needed to prevent excessive force.

• Influence of Implicit Bias on Decision-Making: Unconscious biases affect how an officer makes decisions, which can lead to a disproportionate use of force, especially against marginalized groups. Fair and unbiased police can be helped by addressing implicit bias through training and self-reflection.

• Excessive force: This happens a lot, which hurts trust and makes it hard for cops to work with the community. Prioritizing de-escalation techniques, other intervention methods, and clear rules about when and how to use force can help stop people from using too much force.

• Accountability and openness Challenges: When police use force, it can be hard to make sure there is accountability and openness. Body-worn cameras and independent review boards promote accountability and public trust.

To make police use of force more fair and equal, it is important to deal with these important problems. In the next part, we’ll look at how these problems affect communities and talk about possible ways to fix them.

Promoting Reform and Solutions

Change and effective solutions are needed to resolve police force issues. This section discusses methods to improve training and de-escalation, implement fair police policies, make it easier to hold police accountable, and increase community participation and debate.

• Getting better at training and keeping things under control:

De-escalation and crisis management training can reduce the use of force. Cops need tools to handle high-pressure situations while prioritizing communication and dispute resolution. Regular training and refresher seminars can keep police officers up-to-date on best practices and promote peaceful problem-solving.

• Using policing tactics that are not biased:

Positive steps need to be taken to deal with implicit racism in the police force. Agencies can teach officers how to recognize and deal with their own unconscious biases, which can affect how they make choices. Community policing programs and regular interactions with the community can help build good ties and reduce differences in the way police work that are caused by bias.

• How to get people to take more responsibility:

For cops to be more responsible when they use force, they need strong ways to keep track of what’s going on. Using body-worn cams can help keep fair and accurate records of what is said and done. Independent review boards and civilian oversight groups can look into complaints and hold cops accountable for bad behavior without bias. Clear rules about how to report and look into uses of force, along with quick and thorough reviews, help the public trust the oversight process again.

• Including the neighborhood and talking to them:

For making police policies and building trust, it’s important for the community to take part and talk to the police. Community members can discuss their concerns, provide comments, and help make decisions through advisory boards or community policing platforms. Talking openly and honestly can assist police and community members understand one other and find local solutions.

The Road Ahead

In conclusion, police force issues require rigorous training, fair processes, increased accountability, and community involvement. Reform and effective solutions can create a more fair and just police system that creates trust, promotes human rights, and ensures everyone’s safety and well-being. Shannon Briley says that we can build a better and more welcoming society if we all work together.