Excessive force essay

Usually there is lack of coordination between the police department and the justice system which makes it hard to punish the brutality offenders. The justice system is basically out to bring brutality offenders to book but the police structure seems to encourage the use of excessive force.

Communities made up of these minority groups do not have a positive relationship with the police. Police have a right to defend themselves by use of force. However in some cases, police engage themselves in criminal acts when they use excessive force.

For example beating up a suspect who has been restrained or shooting down a suspect who was fleeing after snatching a pulse from a lady. Use of excessive force by the police is considered an occupational crime. This is because the policeman was acting in his/her legitimate occupation.

The police have been accused in numerous occasions for use of excessive force and violation of basic human rights amounting to what has been referred to as police brutality. The New York police department (NYPD) has developed a five stage guideline for policemen to follow when using force upon confronting a subject (David).