How Much is Too Much Force commentary

On April 7^th Areceli Gutierrez wrote a blog titled How Much is Too Much Force, critiquing the amount of power that the state grants law enforcement officials.  I agree with her argument. Many incidents that occur between civilians and law enforcement agents are absolutely heartrending. At times it seems like pure aggression on the part of the officer.  Law enforcement jobs are not easy and I feel they serve a good purpose for the community, but the force that they are allowed to use on civilians should definitely be strictly monitored.  Too many deaths occur around the country because an officer was acting in “self-defense”, but when the story fully surfaces we learn that the victim didn’t even have a weapon.  These scenarios are completely unacceptable.  It’s a person’s life and dignity that we are talking about. 

I think all law enforcement agents need to go through better training.  A training that focuses on different ways to handle civilians that are breaking the law or seem to be a threat.  A few months ago a 17 year old kid lost his life because he was running around naked outside.  Was it strange that the kid was running around naked?  Yes.  Did he deserve to die because of it?  No.  It’s truly heartbreaking.  If you have a job that grants you the power to legally take someone’s life away, you should be held responsible if you use the power irresponsibly.  In my opinion there is too much force and not enough monitoring.