Los Angeles, California – A recent investigation uncovered widespread violations of established guidelines by police departments across the United States in fatal encounters that did not involve gun use. The investigation revealed that in hundreds of cases where police used force meant to subdue individuals without causing harm, officers repeatedly violated well-known guidelines designed to safely restrain and subdue individuals.
Many of these violations included pinning individuals facedown in ways that could restrict their breathing and repeatedly stunning them with Tasers. While some officers deviated from best practices to save lives or protect individuals, many violations were harder to justify. In some instances, officers prematurely resorted to weapons or physical holds during routine calls, or misinterpreted confusion as defiance in medical emergencies, leading to a series of mistakes. Additionally, some officers continued to apply force even after individuals were handcuffed and under control.
The investigation cataloged 1,036 deaths over a decade resulting from officers using force not involving firearms. In about half of these cases, medical officials determined that law enforcement played a role in the deaths, yet failed to specify whether policing best practices were followed. The investigation was challenging due to departments’ lack of documentation of crucial details or withholding of records.
Analysis of police and court records, as well as body-camera footage, revealed that officers breached guidelines in multiple ways in around 45% of the deaths reviewed. Additionally, individuals who died often had underlying conditions or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, making them more vulnerable to excessive force, as warned by best practices.
Policing in the United States lacks national rules governing the application of force, with individual departments or states setting their own policies and training. While national policing organizations offer guidelines, there is no mandatory enforcement of these standards. The absence of federal directives has resulted in inconsistencies in the use of force across different jurisdictions.
There is a call for the federal government to establish consistent use-of-force standards to ensure the safety and protection of both officers and the public. Given the variations in training and policies among police departments, there is a need for comprehensive oversight to address systemic issues and prevent further violations of established guidelines.
Instances of excessive force, such as repeatedly shocking individuals with Tasers or prolonged prone restraints, raise concerns about the accountability and training within police departments. Ensuring that officers receive adequate training and adhere to best practices is essential to promoting community safety and rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
This ongoing investigation, conducted in partnership with the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism and FRONTLINE (PBS), sheds light on the urgent need for reform within law enforcement agencies to prevent unnecessary and tragic outcomes in police encounters. The findings underscore the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions and implementing standardized guidelines to safeguard the well-being of both officers and civilians.