Police Brutality in the United States - Essay Example

Almost every day there are new cases of excessive use of force by the police, a situation that has attracted public outcry as well as civil rights organizations. It is therefore important the police should be thoroughly investigated for involvement in brutal acts.

Police have a clearly defined mandate, to prevent crime. In the execution of their duties, the police are obliged to remain within the confines of the law. Failure to abide by the requirements of the law, which stipulates their role, should attract independent investigations and prosecution in a court of law. It is unwarranted for a police officer to use force even in instances where it is not necessary. However, in some instances where there is rebellion from the offenders, the police are required to use reasonable force. In busting and preventing criminal activities, the police have to respect the Bill of Rights (Johnson 12). In essence, police brutality should be discouraged and taken seriously by the relevant authorities. In the course of their training, the police should also be sensitized on this issue such that they can understand the scope of execution of their mandate. Despite having to be fair, there is a need for the police to ensure they use all the means possible to prevent criminal activities.

Brutal police officers should be made to be responsible for their actions. A police officer must act within the scope of the law. Otherwise, non-adherence to the law should attract the relevant punishment as provided. It is unlawful to use excessive force especially when dealing with non-violent and harmless individuals. In such a scenario, it seems that the motivation of the police is to stamp their authority and not discharge their duties as required. Those that are implicated in having demonstrated brutal acts should first be investigated and prosecuted in a court of law. Reports have shown that police brutality is mainly directed toward minorities in the United States (Abbott 60). It is inappropriate for police officers to think that they are above the law; they forget that the same law is the one that gives them the mandate to discharge their duty.

Police brutality should be taken seriously and investigated when it occurs because of the police culture. The culture among police officers is that of creating fear for criminals. In every incident of crime, the police would like to demonstrate their authority. This culture has created a situation where the citizens take the police to be superior. The gray area of how much force should be applied by the police is also contentious. 

In conclusion, police brutality is unwarranted and should not be allowed to occur. Police officers implicated in excessive use of force should be brought to book. On the other hand, the use of force by the police should be equivalent to the behavior of the criminal and the crime committed.

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