Problem Definition
Recently, there has been an increase in cases in which police officers have overstepped their responsibilities to the point of killing or maiming a person. One of the primary tasks of police officers is to maintain public order, and the law has granted them several powers to fulfill this purpose. At the same time, while on duty, police officers often ignore established legal procedures, thereby violating people’s rights. The problem of police union misconduct has consequences such as the death or injury of civilians, the spread of inequality, and a decrease in trust in law enforcement.
Justification for Problem Choice
There have been more recent instances where police officers’ actions were unlawful. Alternatively, police enforcement personnel decline to perform their legally required direct official tasks. The most frequent events involve an application being rejected or procedural decisions being made without a proper legal foundation (Baker 15).
However, the wrongful use of force by police frequently results in death, injury, and property damage on the streets (Aborisade 450). Since 2015, the Washington Post has calculated that over 5,000 people have passed away at the hands of police, both legally and illegally (Hughes 3). Very often, police officers who use excessive force, kill, and injure people are not held accountable.
Provocations by criminals and a culture of tolerance may contribute to the issue of police misconduct. Police officers’ violent behavior is linked to inaccuracies in calculating influence and a few of their traits (Giessing et al. 1523). The fact that many police officers’ actions go unpunished is another way the atmosphere of permissiveness is demonstrated. Police officers often believe their actions are justified, which can lead them to exceed their duties.
The consequences of this problem can be an increase in mortality and disability and a decrease in public confidence. In 2021, American police officers shot and killed over a thousand people (Nix and John 1). This is more than in any other year since 2015, when The Washington Post began keeping such a count (Nix and John 1). In addition to the fact that people are dying at the hands of police officers, the population is beginning to fear law enforcement. They are convinced that the police union will not help them but only harm them.
Potential Solutions
Solutions to this problem include implementing controls to detect misconduct and refresher courses for employees. The first solution is surveillance cameras that help detect crime. It can also be refresher courses where police officers can improve their skills and analyze their behavior. Unlike the first, the second solution would help address police union misconduct dramatically. Law enforcement officers can learn new approaches to understanding and analyzing criminal behavior.
Best Solution
The second solution is the most effective in eradicating police union misconduct. The first solution offers only punishment for misconduct, so it is not a solution to the problem at its root. However, the second solution would allow police officers to refresh their knowledge of their powers and responsibilities. It is worth remembering, nevertheless, that punishing police officer misconduct is very important because it shows the public that officers are accountable for their actions.
Refutation of Possible Objections
Some may not agree; for example, police officers may believe they possess sufficient knowledge from the time they were trained in the profession. However, the world is changing, and the knowledge gained a few years ago may no longer be applicable. Approaches are evolving; therefore, police officers need to be aware of them, as their work often involves interaction with people. People need to adapt to change to build a happy society.
Call to Action
Thus, police union misconduct is common and has many consequences. People must consider how they treat each other, or society cannot move forward. Any criminal actions should be punishable, especially if committed by police officers. When people come to the police station, they should know they will be helped, not hurt. The police union should take seriously how it treats people, because society should trust those who have volunteered to protect order.
Works Cited
Aborisade, Richard A. “Accounts of Unlawful Use of Force and Misconduct of the Nigerian Police in the Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures.” Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, vol. 36, no. 3, 2021, pp. 450-462.
Baker, John H. “Criminal Courts and Procedure at Common Law 1550–1800.” Crime in England 1550–1800. Routledge, 2020. 15-48.
Giessing, Laura, et al. “Effects of Coping-Related Traits and Psychophysiological Stress Responses on Police Recruits’ shooting behavior in reality-based scenarios.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, 2019, p.1523.
Hughes, Troy. Whiskey Makers in Washington, DC: A Pre-Prohibition History. Arcadia Publishing, 2023.
Nix, Justin, and John A. Shjarback. “Factors Associated with Police Shooting Mortality: A Focus on Race and a Plea for More Comprehensive Data.” PLoS One, vol. 16, no. 11, 2021, p. e0259024.