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Police Power Abuse Research Paper

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Michael Villar
Mrs. Ricobaldi
English 12CP
02 May 2016
Police Power Abuse Abuse of power and discrimination are bound to happen when people are given the position of authority over others. This happens in businesses, households, and in the police force. The corruption and abuse of policing is a serious problem facing many people living in the world today. But in countries that are less developed there is an abundance of power abuse and corruption especially over the poor and marginalized who fall within the lowest quintile of income (Agbiboa). The corruption is easier to see in the underdeveloped country, but the fact that it happens in other places means that it is just as possible to happen here in the United States.
To be able to …show more content…

So when it comes to situations involving the police this is because the police know more about the rights of the people then the people themselves. Body language is a tell tail sign that the police demand control and power over situations “Officers learn to project a command presence”. They practice and observe eye contact, stance, and non-verbal body language and are schooled, "If you look good, you feel good. If you look confident, people will perceive you to be confident." Men and women change once they do not have the uniform and equipment of an officer” (“The Misuse”). The confidence changes with the uniform which shows that the police have a false sense of superiority because of the badge that they wear. This could be seen as intimidating to people that have a fear of police that is pushed onto the people through the media so without having that same sense of demanding control will be more likely to conform to what the officer says even if it were to infringe on their rights because most people are unaware of their own rights that they are given. Also considering that the police are suppose to enforce the laws they should be trusted to follow them themselves because if a cop is seen breaking a law then that means that they do not fully understand the rules that they are meant to enforce. For example the police are …show more content…

You may never stop the abuse of power as it is human nature to want power and to take advantage of it. That is why it is important to have checks and balances to monitor the heads of police departments, and other officials in charge. In this day and age of cell phones and dash cam cameras everyone is or should be more aware that abuse, when it does happen, is not just “he said she said” when there may be video proof. People in charge can use and abuse power, and “victims” may not really be providing the full story. Police officers know that they have to be more aware and cautious when dealing with a person who is not cooperating with an arrest or questioning. They are aware that cameras are everywhere this hopefully this will change the way people in charge use their power over people. All people should be treated with respect and should be assumed innocent until proved guilty. Police put their lives at risk every day, most of which are honest, dedicated and hardworking people. It only takes a couple of prejudiced, power hungry people to corrupt any system. This is why check and balances are so important. Police and the people they protect must all be held accountable for their actions. In this age of readily available technology is it wise to provide all responding police with body

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