The nation appears to be in a state of siege as cops seem to be shooting too many people they try to apprehend. Unfortunately, many of the people shot during these arrests have been people of color and most have been of a lower socio-economic class. These incidents give the appearance of an ongoing struggle for control and power by the police.

Without delving into each case, we must generalize that police officers are using the power of deadly force to make arrests for crimes that do not warrant deadly force. Therefore, we must allow that officers are making a judgement that someone’s life is endangered, and that life is usually the officer’s own. It is a matter of perception that a body-camera cannot capture.

The public outcry is reaching out to the government to solve the problem. This is a problem that government cannot legislate or mandate. The solution to the problem is much closer to each incident than it appears. It can be as simple as a department policy.

How can it be that simple? Consider the way policies are made: They all start with the ideals of the police chief. The chief is most often hired by the local government, some elected, but all are selected to uphold justice and keep the peace of a limited territory while seeing to the concerns of the specific community. Examples might be illegal migrants in southern Arizona or opioid influx from Canada in New Hampshire. Police leaders in those communities design their training and apprehension tactics and policies to suit their needs. And then the laws of the land come into play. There are specific rules that must be followed. Officer training is so important, and policies have to be designed to protect officers as they serve the public.

Here is where the leadership comes to influence. Officers need to understand that every situation can escalate to illogical and deadly in a flash. The primary goal in every contact should be that human life must not be lost. Immediate apprehension is only necessary when it is to save a life. When the officer draws a weapon, they must realize that taking a life is imminent. If there is time, all options, including physical encounter, must be attempted even at the risk of injury. An escaped suspect is almost assured of a timely recapture.

Departments have made great strides across the nation. An example is a simple policy regarding auto thefts, noting that most are done by juveniles, saying that a person running from a stolen car may not be shot. An offending officer may be disciplined, by the department, even though State law says an officer can shoot at a fleeing felon. Officers don’t want to shoot fleeing kids, but in the heat of a chase it may happen.

Community involvement is the key to controlling police actions. Getting the federal government involved will not solve anything. If a community is controlled by individuals who wish to bend the law to their own way, their power and control must be taken away. Community good is the basis for a proper police presence. Police officers work for the community, to protect and serve, and are not responsible for dispensing justice. Dispensing justice seems to be a forgotten parameter. Let us strive to return it