Navigating High-Risk Situations: Challenges and Evolving Use of Force in Modern Policing

As a city police department with thousands of officers, we witness infrequent but serious incidents such as police shootings. These events, although rare, underscore the inherent risks faced by law enforcement. In 1993, the movie 'Demolition Man' offered a glimpse into a society where policing was characterized by zero tolerance for force and decision-making was outsourced to centralized command centers via live video feeds. Today, the concept of '21st Century Policing' (21CPI) seeks to bring about a similar transformation, aiming to restrict the use of physical force by law enforcement and rely more on live video supervision.

The Shift in Policing: From Force to De-escalation

The 21CPI initiative has been ongoing for over three years, striving to improve police-community relations by focusing on community-oriented policing, use of de-escalation tactics, and implicit bias training. While some elements of this initiative have been validated and proven effective, the transition around use of force policies hasn't been as smooth. This challenge raises several critical questions: Is policing better off today than before the initiation of 21CPI? Is the term 'de-escalation' being overused and thus becoming confusing? Are officers hesitant in taking action, thus jeopardizing their safety and that of the public?

The Elephant in the Room: Inconsistency in Use of Force

The central issue with 21CPI is the inconsistency between past practices, current challenges, and future expectations. This inconsistency highlights the need to revisit the use of force aspect of 21CPI, especially as the political climate shifts. Two key arguments emerge in this debate: the necessity for clearer guidelines and the risk of de-escalation training.

The Pro-21CPI Argument

Proponents of 21CPI argue that existing police training already includes de-escalation techniques, and any modifications aimed at aligning with 21CPI might actually increase the risks faced by officers. They believe that a clear set of acceptable guidelines for use of force is crucial to ensure officer safety and effective law enforcement.

The Counter-21CPI Argument

Opponents of the 21CPI initiative argue that de-escalation practices were already in place before the initiation of 21CPI. They contend that any shift in use of force policies might expose officers to greater vulnerability, citing historical data that shows an increase in officer injuries and deaths in recent years, allegedly from a shift towards less aggressive tactics.

Future Challenges in Policing

As we navigate through the uncertainties of the current and future police landscape, policymakers and law enforcement professionals must collaborate to find a balance. Legislation is already being introduced in various states to redefine the justification for use of force. This underscores the immediacy of addressing the concerns raised by both sides of the 21CPI debate.

Ensuring Safety and Accountability

To ensure that our law enforcement profession does not carry forward past mistakes, we must engage in meaningful dialogue and seek solutions that enhance both officer safety and community trust. This involves:

Continuous training and education on de-escalation techniques and use of force policies. Clear and transparent guidelines for when and how officers may use force. Implementation of technology such as live video feeds to support decision-making in critical situations. Regular reviews of use of force incidents to identify areas for improvement. Collective efforts to rebuild public trust and re-establish a culture of accountability.

Conclusion

As we face new and unforeseen challenges, it is essential that police leaders remain focused and proactive in addressing these issues. While we cannot predict the future crises that will arise, we must be vigilant in ensuring that our law enforcement practices evolve to better serve our communities. By addressing the inconsistencies and challenges related to use of force, we can work towards a safer and more equitable future for all.