Whenever a law enforcement officer uses more force than is necessary to restrain and control the offender, whether verbal or physical, he or she has committed a crime considered police brutality. While police brutality has a long history around the world, in the United States today it is not an acceptable procedure. It is the duty of police officers to maintain peace among the people, but by using violent procedures, both physically and verbally, they are in fact doing the exact opposite of what they seek to defend.
As mentioned, police abuse includes the use of unnecessary physical and psychological force against another person. The most common forms of police brutality are
Why does police brutality occur?
Many believe that there are psychological factors that lead police officers to use brutality when dealing with lawbreakers. They claim that police officers have developed a feeling of entitlement and of being “above the law” due to their position and duties in society, which prompts them to take unnecessarily forceful actions in the performance of their work.
Others believe that this abuse stems from anger or prejudice regarding the fundamental differences between the law enforcement officer and the citizen. This includes race, age, religion, gender, apparent socioeconomic status, or political stance. When these differences are obviously present, they can prompt the police officer (or policewoman) to take unnecessary action in an effort to contain and punish the offending individual.
A police officer may also act too harsh on the citizen in conflict with the law out of fear. He or she may feel the need to exercise and flaunt their power to more easily train the citizen or make the citizen more docile.
What should you do as a victim of police brutality?
It is always unfortunate when a police officer goes outside the limits of his jurisdiction and abuses another being. Often times, incidents of this cruelty go unreported. If you have been the victim of police brutality, you should report it immediately or seek an attorney who can help you publicize your case. This is a problem in the United States and steps must be taken to try to eradicate this violation of human rights.
There is a lot of opposition to police brutality here in the United States. The groups take positions against these crimes, claiming that they are “one of the most serious human rights violations” in existence. If you have been the victim of police brutality, they may be able to help you obtain justice.
Don’t become a victim of police brutality. Know your rights; know your rights.