Anne McCandless wrote: > Today it became apparent to me that the definition > of POLICE BRUTALITY varies. How do people on this > list, esp CUAPB, define police brutality? Interesting assignment. This question has helped me realize that there are at least two definitions, depending on the task demands.
In reference to an individual officer I would define Police Brutality as the malicious use of force. Where malice is defined as: mal-ice (malis)n. 1. A desire to harm others or to see others suffer; extreme ill will or spite. 2. Law. The intent, without just cause or reason, to commit a wrongful act that will result in harm to another. However, there is also a question of the appropriate amount of force to use. This is one of the issues that fosters so much debate in the community. Force in this context is defined by the department. In this case I would define Police Brutality as force over and above that necessary to protect perpetrators, officers, and the community. As you can see there will always be differing views of necessary force. In some circumstances shooting a person 16 times would be necessary force, on the other hand the use of toilet plungers might not. Michael Atherton Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
