Police accountability involves holding both individual police officers, as well as law enforcement agencies responsible for effectively delivering basic services of crime control and maintaining order while treating individuals fairly and within the bounds of the law. Police are expected to uphold laws, regarding due process, search and seizure, arrests, discrimination, as well as other laws relating to equal employment, sexual harassment, etc. Holding police accountable is important for maintaining the public's "faith in the system".
Research has shown that the public prefers independent review of complaints against law enforcement, rather than relying on police departments to conduct internal investigations. There is a suggestion that such oversight would improve the public's view on the way in which police officers are held accountable
Greater police accountability comes to Maryland. State lawmakers voted to override the governor’s veto of a landmark accountability bill that would make it easier to discipline police officers accused of misconduct. The bill, which goes into effect later this year, will open police complaints and internal reviews to the public, impose criminal penalties for officers who use excessive force, and limit the use of “no-knock” warrants.
So far, sixteen states have introduced bills to increase police oversight and limit the ability to use deadly force following the protests over the killing of George Floyd.
Are we tired of hearing... "I thought it was a fake twenty-dollar bill" “I thought it was my taser gun” “I thought it was my apartment” “I thought I saw him/her with a gun” “I thought he was selling loosies” “I thought she was there alone” “I thought she was getting smart with me” ???
