NCJ Number
52131
Journal
ENGAGE/SOCIAL ACTION Dated: (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1978) Pages: 18-24
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ADVOCATES THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE OFFICERS ONLY IN THE MOST EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES. THE COMMUNITY IS URGED TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES.
Abstract
SOME LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAVE TAKEN UPON THEMSELVES THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAWLESS. MOST SERIOUS IS THE UNNECESSARY USE OF DEADLY FORCE. HOWEVER, POLICE OFFICERS ARE NOT THE ONLY PARTIES GUILTY OF LAWLESSNESS. PROSECUTORS WHO FAIL TO PROSECUTE, JURIES THAT IGNORE EVIDENCE, AND COMMUNITIES THAT GIVE SUPPORT TO POLICE MISCONDUCT ARE ALL EQUALLY GUILTY OF LAWLESSNESS. RELATED TO THE PROBLEM OF THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE IS THE PROBLEM OF FEAR IN OUR SOCIETY. FEAR BREEDS VIOLENCE AND REAL SECURITY WITHIN THE SOCIETY WILL ONLY COME WHEN CITIZENS VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT AND SUPPORT THE LAW. THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE OFFICERS ONLY SERVES TO INCREASE FEAR WHICH IN TURN INCREASES CRIME. THE VICIOUS CYCLE NEEDS TO BE BROKEN. AT THE VERY HEART OF THIS ISSUE IS CONCERN FOR HUMAN LIFE. EVEN THE OFFENDER'S LIFE IS SACRED. FURTHERMORE, THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE INCREASES DANGER TO THE POLICE. THE LOSS OF TRUST AND THE WITHDRAWAL OF COOPERATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY MAY PLACE THE POLICE OFFICER IN A PRECARIOUS POSITION IN WHICH ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED CITIZENS CAN TARGET THE POLICE FOR ALL THEIR GRIEVANCES. DEADLY FORCE MAY ALSO DELAY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JUSTICE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY. GUNS MAY PROTECT THE MAJORITY AND INTIMIDATE THE MINORITY. THE FUTURE AND THE STABILITY OF SOCIETY DEPEND UPON FINDING ALTERNATIVES TO THE USE OF FORCE. FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--MLC)