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Meet Officer Mader: Fired For Trying To Do The Right Thing

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Case Study: Officer Mader

Police shootings within the country have been on the rise over the years leaving at

least 1000 civilians dead with the year 2020 accounting for more than 100 victims. In the past

few months, the United States and the world, in general, has been in a state of chaotic

demonstrations (Leonhardt, 2020, p. 1). One of the major contributing factors is the fateful

video of a black man by the name George Floyd, a victim of police brutality. Officer Mader,

in the case study, serves as a good example of strategic steps officers must follow in de-

escalating a situation, thus reducing the gap between minority groups and the police force

(American Civil Liberties Union, 2017, p. 1). The heavy policing of people of color,

especially black communities is a devastating fact that continues to trigger conflicts in the

society.

In the current case of Stephen Mader, the fact that the police department is advocating

for heavy policing of people of color is a huge problem in society (American Civil Liberties

Union, 2017). Today, the country is experiencing losses worth hundreds of thousands of

dollars as a result of heavy policing on minority groups. Law enforcers are only entitled to

use excess or deadly force in the event of the perpetrator becoming a danger to other people

(Ajilore & Shirey, 2017, p. 201). The case shows that the only other person was officer

Mader meaning the use of deadly force is unnecessary and the gun was unloaded. Police

departments should encourage law enforcers to make positive judgments while dealing with

specific situations. People have the protection of the constitution and police officers are

responsible for enforcing effective laws while still showing respect for individual lives

(Ajilore & Shirey, 2017). To eradicate the current spike in demonstrations against police use

of deadly force, there is a need for training and new policies, especially at the Weirton Police

Department. Promoting drastic changes in the police force is an essential strategy towards

saving lives in honor of Mr. Williams.

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In conclusion, officer Mader made the right decision of showing respect to the victim

by not shooting while still attempting to de-escalate the situation. The current level of

demonstrations can reduce if officers act decisively and understand the main duty of an

officer which is to protect every person. The move by officer Mader is critical in ensuring the

police regain the lost trust between the minority groups and the police force.

References

Ajilore, O., & Shirey, S. (2017). Do# AllLivesMatter? An evaluation of race and excessive

use of force by police. Atlantic Economic Journal, 45(2), 201-212.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11293-017-9538-6

American Civil Liberties Union. (May 11, 2017). American Civil Liberties Union.

https://www.aclu.org/video/meet-officer-mader-fired-trying-do-right-thing
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Leonhardt, D. (May 27, 2020). The Persistence of Police Killings. The New York Times.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/briefing/coronavirus-george-floyd-spacex-

your-wednesday-briefing.html