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How does police brutality affect society?

Edd Lung

Police brutality is a serious issue that affects society in many negative ways. It damages the relationship between law enforcement and the community they serve, creates fear and panic amongst civilians, and undermines the trust that people have in their government. The consequence of police brutality is the feeling of injustice and despair throughout the country.

Police brutality can happen at any time without warning and can be perpetrated against any individual. It could stem from a range of reasons, such as racial profiling, lack of training, and abuse of authority. The most significant impact of police brutality is on minorities, mainly Black Americans, who have suffered from this form of violence affliction for decades.

The negative impact of police brutality on society is widespread. It erodes the trust of the public in the law enforcement regime, making it even more challenging to investigate and prosecute crimes. People become less inclined to report incidents, cooperate with authorities, and believe the justice system is fair. The victims of police brutality not only suffer from physical injuries but also mental and emotional trauma. They will lose faith that they can turn to the police for assistance when they need it most.

Another visible impact of police brutality is violence and aggression against the police force. The brutality videos that surface on social media cause anger, frustration, and fuel an environment of aggression towards law enforcement. This environment of aggression and violence can lead to more confrontations, hostility, and threats to police officers' physical safety.

Moreover, when police brutality cases are reported, and no action is taken against the perpetrator, they will inspire and embolden other officers to commit similar actions against citizens. It creates a cycle of violence and a culture of lawlessness within the police department.

In conclusion, police brutality is a stain on law enforcement and society's conscience. It creates serious and long-lasting social trauma that is difficult to erase. All stakeholders, from the police department, government, to civilians, must come together to end this violent and unjust practice. Policemen should undergo regular training to ensure that they treat all people equally and with respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. In the same vein, people should learn to follow police’s directives and laws, respect protocols and aim to hold their enforcement accountable for their actions. Through collective efforts, we can ensure that this shameful episode is a thing of history.