How Reforming Use-of-Force Policies Addresses Police Brutality of African Americans

By Benny C.

​Abstract: African Americans have been victims of police brutality for many years now. This issue is causing distrust in black marginalized communities and making police seem like villains. Systemic racism, lack of accountability, and inadequate policies are all contributing factors leading to this issue. Although there are already some solutions in place such as body worn cameras it is not enough to stop this entirely. Reforming use of force policies emerges as the most effective solution for this issue as it changes certain police tactics that have bad intentions behind them or can lead to harm. This can build trust between police creating a healthier policing environment. While there may be limitations such as stubbornness among police chiefs and gun density, reforming policies remains one of the most effective solutions because it reduces use of force, reduces racial targeting, and holds police accountable. 

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Summary: A controversial topic that is still happening to many today is police brutality against African Americans. This stems from the years of oppression Black Americans had to endure leading up to a long period of racial injustice. This article will discuss the main factors that are contributing to police brutality against African Americans, the attempted solutions, and the most effective solution to try and stop this issue. 

Systemic racism is a root factor behind police misconduct. It leads to African Americans being disadvantaged such as being over policed in black marginalized communities or being intentionally targeted. Police also use more force against African Americans when making arrests as well as being pulled over more. When looking through a political lense we also have to address the lack of accountability in the police department. Police aren’t held accountable for their actions and most of the time are let off with a small penalty. This is due to prosecutors being too scared to accuse police officers of misconduct and officers arresting witnesses so they won’t get prosecuted in the first place. This allows the police to get away with everything and even when prosecuted there is jury bias since police are the ones enforcing laws. Inadequate policies and guidelines has also proven itself to be another cause because some tactics like chokeholds are allowed which will in turn increase the chance of something going wrong. Police are also obligated to draw their gun if they think a suspect is holding a weapon which also increases the chance of something going wrong.

These issues require a solution that is able to address some of these issues. There has been an attempted solution which is police body cameras. Despite its many benefits such as improving police-citizen interactions it can invade the officers privacy and is not enough to completely stop the issue. Reforming policies has emerged as an effective solution and will be executed by state governments. Its benefits include, reducing use of force, racial targeting, and hold police accountable. Policies such as chokeholds or gun policies will be changed to reduce force and some policies such as the stop and frisk policy which allows police to pull over anyone they find suspicious of criminal activity will also be changed. This is due to the bad intentions or bad risks these policies pose. More consequences will also be implemented to stop police from getting away with misconduct and discourage others as well. 

Keywords: Police brutality, police accountability, police body worn cameras, stop and frisk policy, inadequate policies in police department, inadequate guidelines in police department, over policing, systemic racism, use of force policies and police, reforming policies within police department