I don’t know about you, but I hear a loud question coming out of the many protests surrounding our uses of force that have occurred since Ferguson in 2014.
“When will you stop killing us?”
Maybe I am missing it, but I have not heard a strong response from our nation’s police. This question must be answered!
This is my suggestion:
“We hear you. You have waited patiently for us to address the tragic number of persons we kill each year — around 1,000 persons and which have disproportionally impacted people of color.
In response to your question, we are immediately implementing the following actions and pledge to reduce, and be accountable, for the number of persons whose lives we have extinguished.
1. We now raise the standard for use of deadly force to that of “absolute necessity” (the standard in the European Union and which has resulted in a rate of police shootings far less than ours).
3. When we have to use force to control a person dangerous to others, we will attempt to use “less-than-deadly” force and be competent in developing these new methods.
2. In dangerous interactions with citizens, we will always attempt to de-escalate short of using force as a solution to the problem.
4. We will absolutely require all our officers to pledge (swear) to actively intervene if a colleague is acting contrary to law or policy and to personally permit the same action if they are found to be acting improperly.
_____________________________
This is a start. In the meantime, we pledge to work closely with you to craft a police response which you can trust, will listen to you, and work closely with you regarding community problems you identify to us.
We apologize for not responding more quickly to your question. We will do better and you can hold us accountable for doing so.
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 
you sure you are an ex law enforcement. i’m starting to wonder. sounds like you’ve bought into the hype. you really think officers are “into” killing people? no answer to dumb questions.
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You play as you are trained. Not saying in any way cops are “into” killing. 33 yrs as a cop. I want the best for their future, Jim!
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https://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/wi/tony-evers-mandela-barnes-unveil-bills-banning-police-chokeholds-and-limiting-use-of-force/article_ce621244-d5b9-5ba0-85e8-e705cb26d6cb.html
These measures were announced today. Do you think they’re enough?
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It’s a start. Much, much more needs to be done — predominately at the local level to craft a caring, controlled and responsive police service.
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I think law enforcement training over the past 20 years at times moved into dangerous ground — away from “What is right?” and “What is necessary? to “What can you get away with?” There are times when the use of force is necessary and then only as much as proportionate to the threat and required to overcome the situation. This is how we were trained “back in the day.” But I also think training is needed to educate the public on use of force as well. Community leaders should have to participate in “shoot/don’t shoot” exercises. The time for police agencies to be transparent with the public is precisely when there isn’t a crisis.
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I grew up on the edge of Detroit. My family arrived just in time in 1966 to see the city burn. I had family on the force and the tales they told were too wild for fiction. The question I am here to pose is, are law enforcement officers inclined more than ever to move out of poorly managed cities and to places where they will get the support and respect that they deserve? I am so impressed with the way many officers take open abuse, but there must be limits. I am offering to help. At Omni Publications, we provide short videos that enhance resumes – either in print or digitally displayed. For those officers willing to vote with their feet, we are offering 20% off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n3msZGdBhg
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