Unarmed and Dangerous

Mehr zum Buch

The use of deadly force by police against unarmed citizens sparks significant controversy in the U.S. and beyond, often lacking crucial contextual details that influence legal and organizational legitimacy. In this concise analysis, Jon Shane and Zoë Swenson present the first study utilizing publicly available data to explore the circumstances surrounding such incidents. While any police shooting is undesirable, it is not always a crime, even if termed "lawful but awful." The study indicates that being unarmed does not equate to being non-threatening, which helps explain why indictments of officers in these situations are rare. Findings reveal that in most cases, when deadly force was employed, the officer or a third party faced an imminent threat of death or serious injury. Furthermore, officers' actions typically align with established legal and policy standards, as evidenced by the low rate of indictments. Highlighting the lack of official data on the context of police shootings, Shane and Swenson advocate for the U.S. government to gather comprehensive information to aid researchers and practitioners in understanding and improving police practices. They also suggest that future research should focus on the dynamics between officers, citizens, and their environments in relation to existing laws. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and students in criminal justice and public policy.