American society has questioned practices related to police use of force that results in the deaths of civilians. Read the analysis by Jennings & Rubado as well as the debate between French and Dunphy. Then view the following Frontline documentary “Shots Fired” about reducing police shootings in Salt Lake City Utah. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/shots-fired/ (Links to an external site.)
In your post, discuss the ethical responsibility of the police officer to evaluate the motive and threat level of an individual before using deadly force. Make certain to cite specific ethical theories in support of your position.
What dilemmas are police officers weighing when they suspect an individual may be a threat?
Some suggest the police officers must react in an instant, others say that there is time (even if it is seconds) for an officer to make a broader (albeit quick) assessment and decide not to shoot. What do you suggest is the ethical path here?
Recognizing that officers are putting their lives at risk, protecting communities, and also facing life altering consequences for their decision, how should officers prepare to make an ethical decision under these circumstances?
French, David, (2018, March 29) The Police Shooting of Stephon Clark is Deeply Problematic National Review. Retrieved from https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/03/the-police-shooting-of-stephon-clark-is-deeply-problematic/
Jennings, J. T., & Rubado, M. E. (2017) Preventing the use of deadly force: the relationship between police agency policies and rates of officer-involved gun deaths Download Preventing the use of deadly force: the relationship between police agency policies and rates of officer-involved gun deaths . Public Administration Review, 77(2), 217-226. doi-org.research-db.letu.edu/10.1111/puar.12738
