In 2014 there were two incidents alleging excessive force by law enforcement in America that resulted in public attention.
In August 2014 in Ferguson, Mo. the fatal shooting of a teenager Michael Brown by a police officer, Darren Wilson, and a grand jury's decision not to indict Wilson, has triggered unrest and protest.
In July 2014 in New York, the death of Eric Garner because of an apparent "chokehold" by an NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo has also sparked outrage.
- Research, analyze and explain the facts of both cases. Do not confuse your personal opinion or assumptions in this part of the paper. Explain the facts of each case.
- Do you think the police used reasonable or excessive force in each case? Support your answer.
- Research, analyze and explain the reasons why Grand Juries in both cases chose not to indict the officers.
- There has been enormous public reaction to these cases that have resulted in protests.
Research, analyze and explain the public's overall reaction to these cases. Did the protestors exercise their First Amendment right or did they cross the line of freedom of speech and break the law? Explain your answer and support it with examples.
In December 2014 New York Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were assassinated while sitting in their patrol car by Ismaaiyl Brinsley in retaliation for the Brown and Garner incidents.
- Research, analyze and discuss the facts of this case. Were there any protests in support of law enforcement as a result of this case to the degree of protest in the Brown and Garner cases? Why or Why not?
These cases, among others, have had an impact on our law enforcement officers and our communities. Law enforcement believes they are doing the job they were hired to do and are not getting the support from the communities and the communities believe law enforcement is unfairly targeting the minorities in our communities and using excessive force.
- It is evident that there is racial conflict between law enforcement and some communities today. What has caused this racial conflict? Who is responsible? Why?
- Do you believe race played a part in each of the three cases? Why or Why not? Support your answer.
In conclusion,
- Provide strategies which can be done to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities. How would these strategies be implemented?