DOJ's new policy requires officers to stop others from using excessive force
NPR Online NewsSep 09, 2022
New DOJ Order Requires Officers to Intervene If Witness to Abuse
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The Facts
For the first time in 18 yrs, the Justice Dept. (DOJ) has updated its use-of-force policy, stating explicitly that federal officers must step in if they see other officers using excessive force.
The new policy is outlined in a memo that AG Merrick Garland sent to Senior Justice leaders on Friday. The new rules apply to the FBI, DEA, ATF, and US Marshals Service.
The Spin
Left narrative
It's about time the DOJ's use-of-force policy is updated. The new order represents the modernization of policing and Biden's effort to navigate what is an extremely pertinent issue. Although limited in its ability to impose the new requirements on local police, it's a step in the right direction to addressing America's policing crisis.
Progressive narrative
Unfortunately, no amount of legislation or policy writing will solve the policing crisis. In order to effect real change we need to tackle the root cause, which is police culture. The Biden administration has failed to do this, and until they do, the pace of reform will remain stagnant.
Right narrative
The police crisis is not one of police brutality but rather one of a climate of animus against officers. Police have extremely dangerous jobs, and need to make quick life-or-death decisions. While acts of negligence and abuse should most certainly be prevented and punished, it seems that everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence except our police.
