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Police Brutality. Definition. -An officer who uses more force than policy allows -The excessive and lawless use of police force. The problem of police abuse is an ongoing reality. Minorities have been the targets of most cases.
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Definition -An officer who uses more force than policy allows -The excessive and lawless use of police force The problem of police abuse is an ongoing reality. Minorities have been the targets of most cases. One of the most famous cases over police brutality was the Rodney King case in Los Angeles, California ...
Rodney King -March 3, 1991 around 12:45 AM -25 year old Rodney King pulled over for speeding -The events were filmed by nearby resident George Holliday -15 officers watched as 4 officers beat King with batons and kicked and stomped him with their boots -Handcuffed and then shocked with a stun gun multiple times -Messages typed from Officer Powell to HQ, "....ooops." and "I haven't beaten anyone this bad in a long time.” -9 skull fractures, shattered eye socket and cheekbone, broken leg, concussion, and nerve damage partially paralyzing the face
L.A.P.D -Rodney King had been drinking forty-ounce bottles that night -King’s 1988 Hyundai exceeded speeds of 117 mph -He ignored the police and sped through red lights in the chase -King got out of the car and waved to police helicopters and shook his buttocks at a female officer -King was also an ex-con who had been arrested for assault -His actions and spaced-out look led officers to believe he was on PCP which lessens the capabilities of feeling pain and makes the user almost superhuman in strength
Riots & Protests -Most police brutality happens during riots and protests -Police feeling threatened are bound to use force, perhaps excessive
Riot Police Riot Police use weapons such as: -Batons -Tear Gas -Concussion Grenades -Rubber Bullets -Vehicles -Horse Charges Riot Police Objectives: -Break the spirit of the crowd by intimidating them -Provoke violence so their actions are justified -Surround the crowd to isolate the riot -Gather evidence for later
Evidence Police should ONLY use firearms in self defense or to defend others -Connecticut, 14 year-old Aquan Salmon fatally shot in the back during a foot chase -California (LA), Antoine Reid, a homeless “squeegee man” was shot by an off-duty police officer for washing the car and not moving on -California, 19 year-old Tyisha Miller was unconscious in her car with a gun in her lap when officers fired 23 shots and killed her -Illinois (CHI), Robert Russ refused to get out of his car so an officer smashed his window, reached into the car, and shot Russ
Police Actions -Police brutality has been occurring more and more often over the years -The public is becoming more aware of the problem -Police brutality is an infringement on a person’s natural born rights -Citizens worry about protecting themselves from criminals, but must keep an eye out for the ones supposed to protect and serve
Police Brutality By Adam Cerniglia