Victor Zellner

Ms. Kenly

British Literature 1B

30 April 2019

What is the problem?

The legal definition of police brutality is a civil rights violation that occurs when a police officer

acts with excessive force by using an amount of force with regards to a civilian that is more than

necessary. Excessive force by a law enforcement officer is a violation of a person’s rights. An

example of excessive force can include physical force against a suspect that has already been

apprehended or is in custody and not resisting. Throughout years of police brutality, it has gotten

worse. Just in 2018, approximately 1000 people were shot and killed by policemen. In this day

and age, it seems as if people being brutalized or murdered by the police is the new “norm”.

From being pulled over in a routine traffic stop and ending up dead, to being labeled as a “thug”

or criminal based on looks or accidentally being killed because a officer mistakes a cell phone

for a weapon. This is tragic. Something has to be done about this issue. It is a nationwide

problem and as protests come about, the issue seems to get worse. Officers are getting away with

taking innocent lives and hurting people just because they feel “threatened”. Many people are

frightened when it comes to an encounter with the police. These actions are unfair and unjust.

Citizens should not feel intimidated by those who are supposed to be in place to serve and

protect the nation and people living in it.