UNDERSTANDING POLICE USE OF FORCE: A CALL FOR CLARITY AND BETTER COMMUNICATION
Recently, I attended a conference focused on the use of force in law enforcement, where I had the opportunity to engage with experts and delve deeply into the complexities of this critical issue. What struck me most during the conference was the stark realization of how much the public misunderstands police use of force incidents. Despite the thorough training and strict protocols that guide officers, there remains a significant gap between public perception and the reality of how infrequently force is actually used in police interactions. This experience underscored the urgent need for police executives to address these misconceptions, ensuring that both the public and our officers have a clearer understanding of what police use of force truly entails.
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In today's complex and fast-paced society, the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve is under intense scrutiny. Among the most misunderstood aspects of policing is the concept of "use of force." Public perception is often shaped by high-profile incidents and sensational media coverage, leading to confusion and misconceptions about how frequently and under what circumstances police officers employ force. It is crucial for police executives to address these misunderstandings by effectively communicating the reality of police use of force, not only to the public but also to bolster morale within their ranks.
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Clarifying the Concept of Police Use of Force
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Police use of force refers to the amount of effort required by law enforcement to compel compliance from an unwilling subject. This can range from verbal commands and physical restraint to the use of less-lethal methods like tasers, and in extreme cases, firearms. However, the public often associates "use of force" primarily with lethal encounters, overshadowing the broader spectrum of actions that fall under this term.
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In reality, most police interactions do not involve any force at all. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 53.5 million people had contact with the police in the United States in 2018. Of these encounters, only 2% involved any use of force or threat of force. This statistic highlights that the vast majority of police interactions with the public are non-violent.
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Misconceptions and Public Perception
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Despite the data, the public perception of police use of force is often skewed. High-profile incidents, particularly those involving lethal force, tend to dominate media coverage and public discourse. This can lead to a belief that force is a common feature of police work, when in fact, it is a rare occurrence. For instance, a study by the Police Executive Research Forum found that while police officers make about 10 million arrests each year, only about 1.4% of these involve the use of force.
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Moreover, the use of deadly force is exceedingly rare. The Washington Post's database on police shootings indicates that in 2022, there were 1,096 fatal police shootings in the United States. While any loss of life is tragic, it is important to note that these incidents represent a minuscule fraction of the total number of police-public interactions.
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A Need for Better Communication
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Police leaders must take proactive steps to better communicate these statistics and the context around them to the public. By doing so, they can help bridge the gap between perception and reality. Transparency is key—regularly releasing data on police interactions, use of force incidents, and the outcomes of these encounters can help build trust and understanding.
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Furthermore, it is essential to emphasize the rigorous training and policies that guide officers' use of force decisions. Many departments follow robust use-of-force policies, which dictates the appropriate level of force based on the situation at hand, prioritizing de-escalation and the preservation of life whenever possible.
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Comparisons to Other Professions
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To put police use of force into perspective, it can be helpful to compare it to other professions that also involve risk and critical decision-making. For example, medical errors are a leading cause of death in the United States. A study published in the BMJ in 2016 estimated that more than 250,000 people die each year from medical errors, making it the third leading cause of death in the country, behind heart disease and cancer. In contrast, the number of people killed by police officers each year is far lower, highlighting that while policing is a dangerous and high-stakes profession, the frequency of fatal outcomes is comparatively low.
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Promoting Morale and Public Confidence
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Finally, police executives must recognize that the negative perceptions surrounding use of force can take a toll on officer morale. Officers often feel that their actions are unfairly judged or that the risks they face daily are underappreciated. By better communicating the realities of use-of-force incidents and the strict protocols officers follow, police leaders can help foster a more supportive environment within their departments.
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Moreover, by engaging with the community and providing clear, factual information, police leaders can promote a more informed public dialogue. This not only helps improve public trust but also reinforces the legitimacy of law enforcement, which is vital for effective policing.
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Conclusion
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In conclusion, police use of force is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of law enforcement. While high-profile incidents can skew public perception, the reality is that use of force is relatively rare, especially when considering the millions of interactions police officers have with the public each year. Police leaders have a critical role to play in clarifying these misconceptions by transparently sharing data, educating the public, and supporting their officers. By doing so, they can help build a more informed, trusting, and supportive relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
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References
lasd deputy at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
2 个月I agree
Retired Detective Bureau Sergeant, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
2 个月While I agree with the majority of what you have written, I must disagree with the idea of using statistics when trying to explain a use of force to a citizen or a group of citizens. They aren't going to listen to a bunch of facts and figures thrown at them. I've sat with Department heads when trying to explain what you've said. They immediately tell you that you are lying and this particular incident doesn't fit. With the advent of body worn cameras and in vehicle systems, and the transparency of them has helped a lot to defuse the misconception. Training and I mean REAL training has helped reduce the number of bad force incidents. Thorough examination of the use of force has also helped. The one thing that is totally out of an officers control is the subject the force is used on. The vast majority of contacts with citizens is predicated on compliance from the citizen. If he/she would follow the officers instructions, force would not occur. Getting people to do as we ask in a contact is key. It starts with parents teaching their children to comply with what the officer says would eliminate 99% of the uses of force. Thank you for listening