Changes in Law Enforcement

Changes in Law Enforcement

Justin Vandusen

Kaplan University

Changes in Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement is a crucial part of our nation to enforce the laws and secure justice for every citizen in the United States. There is a long history of Law Enforcement and the work that is affiliated with it. Today there are issues and incidents occurring that rises tensions between the police community and public communities. You may ask what these incidents are, and how it affects us and many communities. What changes are Law Enforcement officials pursuing to end these incidents?

A major incident for example occurred on April 4, 2015 in North Charleston, South Carolina. A black male Walter Scott was fatally shot by Michael Slager, a white police officer. Officer Slager pulled over Scott for a non-functioning third brake light. Officer Slager spoke with Scott then returned to his patrol car. Scott then exited his car and fled from Officer Slager. Slager pursued Scott to a lot behind a pawn shop where they both became engaged in physical contact. Slager fired his Taser and hit Scott where he then fled, the Taser was jerked from his hand and Slager drew his handgun, firing eight rounds at him from behind killing Scott.

Officer Slager claimed that he felt his life was at risk so he reacted in self-defense. How could have this incident been avoided? Law enforcement analysts are calling for numerous changes to the way police are trained specifically referring to self-defense and non-lethal weapons training. There are some policies and standard operating procedures established to avoid unnecessary injuries or fatalities. Some training policies have been in place for decades, such as the 21-foot rule, a guideline used by police to determine when to use lethal force against an armed attacker. The 21- foot rule is a procedure used when an attacker rushes officers. Police officers have time to react and draw their side arm if the attacker is 21 feet away or closer...