Statistics tell us about the state of policing in the country. A report released by the FBI in 2014 shows that at least 51 officers were killed while doing their jobs (Sanburn, 2015). That was an 89 percent rise from the previous year. The report also showed that in 2013, 461 suspects were killed by police officers, which was more than the 2010 number of 397 (Sanburn, 2015). A survey among the minority groups shows that people are less confident of law enforcement. A number of efforts have been made so far to come up with solutions for these situations such as community policing. The FBI states that most police officers and their departments are not able to handle the aftermath of incidents appropriately, especially in matters of clarity and transparency (Sanburn, 2015). The following is a look at statistics that indicate the problem in this sector.
The FBI recently released a report showing the number of justifiable homicide by law enforcement officers. The report indicated that there were 400 such incidents every year nationwide (Wihbey & Kille, 2015). The data by a journalism outlet shows that a young black male is 21 times more likely to be shot compared to a white male of the same age. Research also indicates the presence of racial profiling in law enforcement showing that people of colour are more likely to be stopped by police officers. A report from the National Institute of Justice explained the increase of the use of tasers and other weapons in law enforcement (Wihbey & Kille, 2015). The report showed that the use of Conducted energy devices among law enforcement officers has increased to approximately 70 percent (Wihbey & Kille, 2015). This tactic was ranked among the most used between 2005 and 2008.
The data above indicate the presence of problems in law enforcement. It shows the continued use of excessive force in the field as well as the presence of racial profiling mostly affecting African-American males. The data are important in justifying the need to come up with better strategies to eliminate these problems. Law enforcement officers maintain order in the country. It is important that the police departments are run fairly and that they perform their duties without any discrimination.
References
Sanburn, J. (2015, May 12). These Two Stats Show the Big Problem With Policing in America. Time Magazine. Retrieved from http://time.com/3854824/police-killed-on-duty-stats/
Wihbey, J., & Kille, L. W. (2015, October 29). Excessive or reasonable force by police? Research on law enforcement and racial conflict. Retrieved from http://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/criminal-justice/police-reasonable-force-brutality-race-research-review-statistics
