In the United States, there have been numerous instances where a seemingly low-priority police call escalates into a high-stakes situation for the citizen involved. These scenarios often involve mental health crises or encounters with innocent individuals that tragically turn deadly. The following case studies highlight the severity of this issue and underscore the need for systemic reforms to prevent such outcomes.
Case Study: Daniel Prude
In March 2020, Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man, was experiencing a mental health crisis when his brother called the police for assistance. Prude was found naked on the street, and officers placed a “spit hood” over his head to prevent him from spitting. As Prude became agitated, officers restrained him, pressing his head against the pavement for over three minutes. Prude lost consciousness and later died of complications from asphyxia. This incident sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the dangers of police handling mental health crises.
Case Study: Elijah McClain
Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man, was walking home in Aurora, Colorado, in August 2019 when police responded to a call about a suspicious person. McClain, who was unarmed and had committed no crime, was placed in a chokehold and injected with ketamine by paramedics. He suffered a heart attack and died days later. McClain’s death led to national protests and calls for justice, emphasizing the need for better training and protocols for police interactions with individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Case Study: Stephon Clark
In March 2018, Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by police in his grandmother’s backyard in Sacramento, California. Officers were responding to reports of someone breaking car windows and mistook Clark’s cellphone for a gun. He was shot multiple times, and his death led to significant protests and demands for police accountability. This case underscores the risks of profiling and the need for de-escalation techniques in law enforcement.
Statistics on Police Misconduct and Use of Force
Nationwide, police misconduct and use of excessive force remain critical issues. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 21% of U.S. residents aged 16 or older had contact with police in 2020. Among these contacts, there were significant reports of police misconduct, including excessive use of force and unlawful arrests. The FBI’s National Use-of-Force Data Collection provides insights into the circumstances, subjects, and officers involved in use-of-force incidents, highlighting the prevalence of aggressive policing practices across the country4.
Profiling, Brutality, and False Arrests
Racial profiling and police brutality disproportionately affect minority communities. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) reports that the majority of individuals stopped and frisked by the NYPD are people of color. In 2022, 59% of those stopped were Black, and 30% were Latinx. These statistics underscore the systemic nature of racial profiling and its impact on minority communities. Additionally, false arrests and extra charges are common complaints, with many individuals alleging that they were wrongfully detained or charged to cover up police misconduct4.
Police Shootings and Use of Force
Police shootings and the use of excessive force are significant concerns. The FBI’s data collection efforts aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these incidents, helping to identify patterns and address the root causes of police violence. In 2023, there were 1,164 fatal police shootings in the United States. The rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans was much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 6.2 fatal shootings per million of the population per year between 2015 and October 2024.
GoVia’s thoughts:
These cases and statistics highlight the urgent need for reforms in policing practices to address aggressive behavior, profiling, brutality, and false arrests. By implementing measures such as independent oversight, transparent policies, and improved training, we can work towards a more accountable and just law enforcement system.
Sources:
Number of people shot to death by the police in the United States from 2017 to 2024*, by race
Police Brutality Statistics & Analysis for Cities and States
