First, Last name
10/13/16
Philosophy first Draft
TR 9:50-11:05 A.M
Ending Police Brutality in America
In this paper, I argue in favor of ending police brutality in America. Police brutality
happens when police use violent excessive physical force on someone. First, ending police
brutality in America can prevent physical and mental abuse from occurring. People who are
victims of brutality become traumatized by these incidents. In addition, there is a culture and
stereotypes that makes law enforcement officers label black men in general as thugs. As a result,
they are more likely to feel threatened and use excessive force. Finally, the job of the police is to
serve and protect the public. Obviously we can agree that the job of the police is not to use
excessive force or even killing people.
Law enforcement advocates disagree. They believe that police officers can’t be expected
to deal with social problems like mental illness or drug abuse without using force. This will
make it harder for them to defend themselves while being attacked from those who resist arrest
and they won’t be able to protect those that are around them. In addition, there is the view that
people have unrealistic expectations of what law enforcement can achieve. Police officers cannot
be expected to deal with social problems, like mental illness or drug addiction, without resorting
to force.
Law enforcement critics argue that ending police brutality in America can prevent
physical and mental abuse from occurring. People who are victims of brutality become
traumatized by these incidents. Throughout the years, police brutality has caused physical and
mental abuse among innocent people. Police have been using excessive force during an arrest
which caused people to suffer from physical injuries such as a fractured eye socket, skull, spine
and many more injuries that can prevent these victims from being able to perform their daily
routine. Instead of going to school or work, they would have to spend many days in the hospital.
One incident of this horrible abuse involved a Seattle woman by the name of Miyekko Durden-
Bosley, who got her eye socket fractured by a police officer who punched her in the face while
handcuffing her. She didn’t lose her sight but failed a claim against the officer. “Victims of
police brutality have suffered mental illness such as PTSD (Post traumatic stress syndrome)
which can lead to panic attacks, depression, substance abuse, or suicidal tendencies”. Victims
may fear being encountered by the police that they avoid going out in public so they won’t
