For the first time in 27 years, the majority of Americans have lost their trust in the police force. Where we once had faith in the police, now stories of violence and terror echo throughout communities around the country. There are solutions to this problem though, and with an effort from the community and the force, we can end police brutality once and for all!
Let’s take a look at these solutions to end police brutality and get this epidemic under control today!
Track the Problem
Currently, there is no standard of keeping track of police violence, use of force, or brutality. In recent years some third-party agencies have created police use of force software to aid law enforcement in keeping track of incidents where force is used. This web-based software tracks things such as:
- Suspect injury
- Medical treatment for suspect
- Demographics of the suspect
- Signs of mental illness or handicap
- Suspect condition before and after the use of force
- Type of force administered
This software helps maintain accountability within the department. In the end, tracking and mapping the instances where brutality occurs can lead to identifying patterns and other issues. Identifying these problems at the source will help to end the issues altogether.
Adjust Police Culture
There are ways to adjust the culture of the police department from the inside out. Studies teaching justice and fairness within the department have yielded results that reduced the chances of an officer using force. Other policies can be put in place to reduce the instance of force or brutality such as:
- Requiring de-escalation
- Requiring a verbal warning
- Banning chokeholds
- Requiring the officer to use every option before using deadly force
- Requiring officers to report excessive force
Methods such as these can be used as solutions to end police brutality. Re-education and education of the existing officers and new officers is the only way to reach the goal.
Demilatrizaton
Currently, there are programs in place that allow police departments to have access to military-grade gear at almost no cost. In instances where a police department was militarized, they were more likely to kill or use excessive force.
The militant mindset of these departments creates a culture of separation among the community and the police. Currently, there have been efforts to end the use of military equipment within the department, however, nothing has been set in stone to date.
How to End Police Brutality
When coming up with solutions for how to end police brutality we have to work together as a community. The divisiveness of civilian versus officer has created a culture of distrust and aggression that has cracked the fabric of the department itself.
This list of solutions is only the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Demanding change in the department is paramount to ending this brutality and violence.
We want to connect more with you on the topics that you care about. Check out the rest of our site today to stay informed on what is going on in the world!
