Police Brutality in the United States Essay Sample

There are numerous causes that might lead to societal dysfunction. Police brutality is a major issue America faces today. The issue of police brutality first arose back in the 1870s. According to the Oxford Dictionary, “Police brutality is excessive and unjustified use of force by a member of law enforcement.” This can be anything from fatal force to assaults, and so many other things. This problem has gotten worse, and people continue to look past it on a daily basis. This topic has had a significant impact on African-Americans. Many studies have demonstrated that Black Americans are being discriminated against when it comes to the law, which should be applied equally to all. This excessive force by police against unarmed Black Americans can’t be justified and should be treated as a public health issue. Police brutality has impacted many Black Americans' health, they are causing black Americans to be afraid of the police and avoiding them, and the horrible harm it causes.

To begin, police brutality has a negative impact on Black Americans' mental health. The evidence to show this is a 2014 research study of nearly 1,200 men (18-26 years old) indicated that with each additional police killing of an unarmed Black American, Black Americans experienced increased stress and anxiety symptoms. (Sandoiu, 2020). This can affect many of their daily lives. This demonstrates that even those who were not directly involved in the event were still negatively impacted, and their fear of the police grew. The police are meant to protect us, but if 1,200 men between the ages of 18-26 years old are starting to notice the horrible things police officers have done, it is hard to trust the fact that all the police have good intentions. Those on the other side of the issue might say that the people who were killed or injured were in the wrong and were committing felonies. It's true that some of the victims did, in fact, commit crimes. Such as, when George Floyd paid for cigarettes with $20 in counterfeit money, the police were called, but it didn't mean he had to die a terrible death. As police officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd to the ground and placed his knee on Floyd's neck, he repeatedly cried, "I can't breathe." The other three officers remain by, oblivious to the bystanders' requests to check if George Floyd is still breathing. (Tiefenthaler, 2020). Derek Chauvin had no right to that George Floyd because he was not resisting and did not attempt to provoke the police officers to act in that manner.

Secondly, with these killings becoming increasingly common, Black Americans may learn to avoid cops at all costs, even if they haven't done anything illegal. As an example, In chapter two of Bryan Stevenson's book "Just Mercy” (2014), he describes how he was listening to music in front of his house late at night, and as he was getting ready to go inside, two police officers arrive, including one who draws his gun at him and the other of whom physically restrains Stevenson despite the fact that they have no reason to. They searched his car, even though they had no evidence against him. After doing unnecessary searches, and wasting everyone’s time, they decided to let him go. (Stevenson, 2014, pg.37). If someone else was in that situation, their first instinct would be to run. That was Stevenson's first thought as well, but he had thought it through and decided it would be better to stay. When other Black Americans found out about this, they tried to avoid the police for a while after. That proves that some Black Americans will go to any length to avoid speaking with cops or law enforcement because of what they hear and witness police brutality happening to others. Most people would cooperate, it's just the fear they experience. Some may argue that law enforcement officers have the right to self-defense. While this is true, it also involves using force when it is absolutely necessary. Many police shootings that we have witnessed do not meet this criterion. For instance, consider the death of Breonna Taylor, a medical worker. Taylor's ex-boyfriend was suspected of being part of a drug ring and hiding the drugs at her home, according to authorities. Despite the fact that no drugs were discovered on the premises, she was shot six times and died as a result. She was simply standing by the door and they had no right to shoot her. In his termination letter, Brett Hankison (the police officer who killed Breonna Taylor) indicated that he, "wantonly and blindly fired 10 shots." (Oppel Jr et al, 2021). That proves he had no reason to do it, as Breonna was not provoking anyone and did it on his own volition. 

Furthermore, police brutality causes horrible harm to citizens. Every day there is horrible harm caused to Black Americans and it is very unnecessary. Evidence to show this is, "In 2017, there were an average 51,000 emergency room visits annually by people who were injured by law enforcement," according to research published in JAMA Surgery. (Todd, 2020). There are a lot of people who aren't supposed to be there. There are certainly a lot more individuals who were hurt but didn't go to the ER. The purpose of police and law enforcement officers is to protect us, not to harm us. There have been numerous instances where police officers have incorrectly harmed Black Americans. Police officers, for example, spray tear gas at crowds, beat protesters, and even shoot individuals during peaceful Black Lives Matter protests. This should be avoided at all costs, especially during nonviolent protests. Americans are simply attempting to protest what they believe is right and requires attention, while police officers are attempting to stop them by hurting numerous people, including children. White Republicans more likely than white Democrats to say discrimination is a problem. For example, according to a survey conducted in 2019, 25% of white Republicans believe racial discrimination is an issue, whereas 70% of white Democrats believe it is. In addition, 44% of white Republicans believe that Black Americans are more prone to be unmotivated and work less. This demonstrates that the majority of them form stereotypes and judge others solely on the basis of their skin tone, which is incorrect. People should be viewed in a different light. 

In conclusion, excessive police force against unarmed Black Americans is unjustifiable and should be recognized as a public health issue. Bringing attention to police violence is one way we may help reduce it. Use social media, communicate with people, join online groups, and do a lot of other things. Also, if you are privileged, use it to your advantage. If you notice police acting in an unfavorable manner against someone, make sure they are safe and walk up to speak up for them. Many Black Americans are afraid that they may be hurt if they do.