For Unit 4 IP Draft, you will identify and fully analyze the topic(s) you have selected to address in Weeks 2 and 3. This must be 4-6 pages. You will identify the problems associated with the topic as

The Impact of Police Use of Force Policies on Community Trust and Safety

Ashlee Williams

Colorado Technical University

September 15, 2024

Topic Selection

The topic selected was "The Impact of Police Use of Force Policies on Community Trust and Safety." This topic was chosen because it is one of the most significant and disputed concerns of the modern criminal justice system. Policing has been a subject of great concern and controversy due to police violence and brutality across the country. With the number of cases increasing of these incidents and their influence on community trust and safety, it is essential to analyze these occurrences. Through this topic, the literature review aims to offer relevant information to improve policing practices and relations with the community.

Selection Rationale

Relevance and Timeliness: Recently, there has been growing concern about the utilization of force by police officers due to incidents of police shootings and excessive use of force. These incidents have sparked debates on police conduct and necessary changes both nationally and internationally. This makes the topic very relevant, especially as it’s currently under discussion in policy circles and has implications for community relations.

Impact of Community Trust: These issues raise questions about police-community relations, which are crucial for effective policing and public safety. Policies on the use of force directly impact this relationship. Studying these policies allows for an evaluation of their impact on trust levels, which are essential for building cooperation between law enforcement and society (Akinlabi, 2020).

Policy and Reform Implications: Exploring use-of-force policies can reveal areas where changes may be needed. It’s also important to assess whether current policies are sufficient to ensure the legal responsibility and safety of both officers and the public. This topic enables discussions on new policies that could be implemented to yield better results and enhance community safety (Kyprianides, 2021).

Literature Review: The Impact of Police Use of Force Policies on Community Trust and Safety

Importance to the Criminal Justice System and Citizens

The use of force by the police is an important aspect of the criminal justice system and American society. Iti s closely linked to the lives of U.S. citizens. Incidents of police misconduct, especially the use of lethal force, have raised significant concerns among the public and led to inquiries into police conduct. These incidents erode the community’s trust in law enforcement and the authorities, emphasizing then need to address such issues to promote positive policing and safety. Police use-of-force policies are crucial as they provide guidance to officers, ensuring that they enforce the law without violating the public’s rights (Mourtgos & Adams, 2020).

Issues, Problems, and Policies

Several issues and problems are associated with police use of force policies:

Public Perceptions and Trust: Community perception of police use of force is currently a significant issue affecting people’s trust in the police. Studies show that people’s impressions of overusing force of using force where it is unjustified can erode the credibility of the police (Kyprianides et al., 2021). This decline is detrimental to the interaction between members of the communities and the police in law enforcement activities.

Legal Reasonableness and Community Standards: The notion of legal reasonableness in use-of-force encounters is often a subject of debate. It reflects differences in community expectations and tolerance levels regarding what constitutes reasonable force and can explain the varying views on the use of force. (Bennell et al., 2021). Inconsistent policy application and insufficient training can influence officer behavior and public perceptions of police conduct.

Policy Implementation and Training: It is important to highlight concerns regarding the enforcement of use-of-force policies and the adequacy of training provided to police officers. Inconsistent application of policies and inadequate training can significantly influence police behavior and public perceptions of their conduct (Bennell et al., 2021).

Proposed Changes and Justifications

Enhanced Training and Accountability: To address issues with the implementation and effectiveness of use-of-force policies, it is important to implement better training programs for officers. Emphasis should be placed on de-escalation techniques and community engagement to crack down on the use of force and advance interactions with the public. Research shows that de-escalation training can lower the incidence of force used by officers and improve community relations. Community Involvement in Policy Development: It is essential to involve the community in creating or updating use-of-force policies. This helps ensure that police practices align with community expectations and strengthens the relationship between police departments and communities they serve. Regular Review and Transparency: Regularly reviewing the use of force and implementing checks and balances in the reporting and investigation of incidents can improve accountability. Transparent practices can provide assurance to the public that incidents are investigated fairly and that officers are held accountable for their actions (Akinlabi, 2020).

References

Akinlabi, O. M. (2020). Citizens’ accounts of police use of force and its implication for trust in the police. Journal of crime and justice, 43(2), 145-160.

Bennell, C., Alpert, G., Andersen, J. P., Arpaia, J., Huhta, J. M., Kahn, K. B., ... & White, M. D. (2021). Advancing police use of force research and practice: urgent issues and prospects. Legal and criminological psychology, 26(2), 121-144.

Kyprianides, A., Yesberg, J. A., Milani, J., Bradford, B., Quinton, P., & Clark–Darby, O. (2021). Perceptions of police use of force: the importance of trust. Policing: an international journal, 44(1), 175-190.

Mourtgos, S. M., & Adams, I. T. (2020). Assessing public perceptions of police use-of-force: Legal reasonableness and community standards. Justice Quarterly, 37(5), 869-899.