Police brutality

Police Brutality Incidences of police using excessive force have been reported in several parts of the world. This act is considered unethical and it goes against human rights. Police brutality can be either physical or psychological attack, which affects the victim negatively. In the United States, there are a number of incidences where police brutality has been reported. 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 right 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 for 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 trainings, the police should also be sensitized on this issue such that they are able to understand the scope of execution of their mandate. Despite having to be fair, there is 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. It is important that a police officer 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 motivation of the police is to stamp their authority and not to discharge their duties as required. Those that are implicated having demonstrated brutal acts should first be investigated and prosecuted in a court of law. Reports have shown that police brutality is mainly directed towards the minorities in the United States (Abbott 60). It is inappropriate for a police officer 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 the police officers is that of creating fear to the criminals. In every incident of crime, the police would like to demonstrate their authority. This culture has created a situation where the citizens take police to be superior. The gray area of how much force should be applied by the police is also contentious. This means that the police can use unnecessary force and still justify it. This overstep of the mandate without a check has facilitated the establishment of community groups, which keep police actions on check (Krupanski 1).
In conclusion, police brutality is unwarranted and should not be allowed to occur. Police officers implicated for 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.
Works Cited
Abbott, Charlotte, Sarah F. Gold, and Mark Rotella. ” Police Brutality: An Anthology.” Publishers Weekly 247. 18 (2000): 60. ProQuest. Web. 24 June 2014
Johnson, Marilynn, S. Street Justice: A History of Police Violence in New York City. Beacon Press. 2004.
Krupanski, Marc. Policing the police: Civilian video monitoring of police activity. 2012. Web. June 24, 2014. http://theglobaljournal. net/group/global-minds/article/643/