myAIPMUse of force: Why scrutiny matters following the death of George Floyd
David Jamieson | Policing Insight
"The death of George Floyd in the United States, following restraint by police officers, has cast a global spotlight on police use of force. Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson sets out how he and his OPCC team oversee and scrutinise the work of West Midlands Police, thus seeking to retain confidence in policing amongst all local communities.
The recent incident and subsequent death of George Floyd in the United States was an avoidable tragedy. What happened was horrific, bringing sadness and anger. The officer and others involved clearly need to face swift justice. The video footage has shocked people around the world and has rightly, led many to question use of force by policing, not just in the United States but here too.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, one of my overarching tasks, for which I am elected, is to hold West Midlands Police to account as well as set the priorities through the development of a police and crime plan.
Use of force continues to be a priority as we see the increased rollout of tasers, with over £10 million extra funding made available by central government. However, new technology such as Taser also presents us with a need for more transparency of its use, in addition to oversight of more traditional use of force such as baton strikes or irritant sprays."
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Use of force: Why scrutiny matters following the death of George Floyd, David Jamieson, Policing Insight, 2020
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