Perspectives: The Role of Police and Law Enforcement in the US

The role of the police and law enforcement officials in a civil society is under the microscope following George Floyd's death in police custody last week. Floyd's death, which happened after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes, set off a chain of public protests and anger across the U.S. Some voices, particularly on the left but also located throughout the spectrum, questioned the notion that police and law enforcement keep the public safe, and advocated for de-funding them. Some voices focused instead on stories of well-intentioned police officers, while others explored realistic possibilities for widespread police reform. Some right-rated voices argued that most police officers are committed to helping communities, while very few are overly violent or abusive.