BlueSheepdog
10 Years Experience
Around the Way, FL
Male, 40
Cheating death and fighting communism: that is how a fellow officer once described our job. It was meant to be funny, but as time went on it seemed all too true.
I spent more than ten years in law enforcement, all of it on the street in uniform patrol. I've been a patrol officer, instructor, sergeant and lieutenant.
Do not report crimes here. Nothing here should be considered legal advice. All opinions are my own.
An interesting, but loaded, question.
The term "police brutality" is a subjective one that is likely to inflame the conversation. I'll presume that you are referring to the unlawful use of force, which is any time a police officer uses force - regardless of the perceived brutality - when it is not legally permissible.
Police officers are permitted to use that force which is reasonable during the performance of their duties. Many people do not understand what is reasonable because they do not have the training in, or understanding of, the dynamics of a violent encounter. I'd suggest looking at credible sources such as the Force Science Institute ( http://www.forcescience.org/ ) for a better understanding of the application of force. Anything you've seen in the movies is likely crap, by the way.
For a better understanding of when officers may use force, a review of the case law is an excellent starting point. Graham v. Connor [490 U.S. 386 (1989)] is typically cited as being the defining case regarding police use of force. Although the case clarified a number of issues, the court essentially said that things were pretty clearly stated in their earlier decision in Tennessee v. Garner [471 U.S. 1 (1985)]. Both cases offer remarkably insightful opinions, and they should be read in full. Summaries of the cases in Wikipedia and elsewhere fail to give the true scope and color of the opinions.
An additional problem with your question is the unstated assumption that there are frequent incidents of police officers unlawfully using force. I believe the premise is false, and every credible study on police use of force I have seen shows that officers are very hesitant to use force. In fact studies have shown that even when clearly justified, officers still are slow to use force.
Are there times when an officer unlawfully uses force and are not criminally prosecuted? Sure. There are a variety of reasons this may be true. For example, the unlawful use of force may be charged at the federal level if the officer was acting under "color of law," or at the state level for the charge of battery (or similar). Just like any other case, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused officer committed the crime and that he or she intended to commit the crime (mens rea). Lacking the ability to prove those things, the prosecution will not proceed.
Share Answer: 
Its the same as it is for everyone else. Show up and do your job; you'll be fine.
Share Answer: 
Ok.
Share Answer: 
I'm not sure if there is a question in there. However, you have not described anything criminal. Law enforcement does not investigate civil issues.
Share Answer: 
iPhone & iPad Technician
What brand do you think has the poorest quality / workmanship?
NHL Team Marketer
Is fighting in hockey good or bad for the game?
School Bus Driver
If your bus is in an accident that was ruled your fault, would you lose your job?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grammar-girl-quick-dirty-tips/id173429229?mt=2
Share Answer: 
Not usually. A medium to large size jail will typically have medical staff on duty, however.
Share Answer: 
I'm afraid I cannot explain the why, just take a few guesses. I believe the first study was conducted in San Diego during the 1970's. There may have been additional studies since then. Put Google to work - I imagine that you should be able to find the study published online. Also, there may be newer studies that support or contradict the original.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
