Police brutality is an act that often goes unnoticed by the vast majority of white Americans. This is the intentional use of “excessive force by an authority figure, often ending in bruises, broken bones, bloodshed, and sometimes even death” (Harmon). While law-abiding citizens worry about protecting themselves from criminals, it has now been revealed that they must also keep an eye on those they are supposed to protect and serve. According to the National Police Academy, in the past year, there have been more than 7,000 reports of police misconduct; deaths have been linked to more than 400 of these cases (Gul). Police brutality is often triggered by disrespect towards the police officer. The most obvious form of brutality is physical, in which chemical gases, batons, tasers and guns can be used for physical intimidation or to actually hurt people. Police brutality can also take the form of verbal abuse or psychological intimidation. It seems reasonable to understand that police sometimes find themselves in situations where excessive force may be necessary. But, because some officers use these extreme actions in situations where they are not, police brutality should be addressed and examined by both police and the public. For example, a police officer who beats a nonviolent protester with a baton would likely be accused of using excessive force, on the grounds that the police officer probably could have handled the situation in a less violent manner. Indeed, according to other retired police officers Zakir Gul, Hakan Hekim and Ramazan Terkesil many of the complaints relating to the use of excessive force by police officers are not investigated and, if they are, it is usually found that the officer of police acted appropriately... middle of paper. ..... well, they handle every situation without crossing the line” (Chaney). It is very important that police academies hire adequate and qualified officers; and provide extensive and ongoing training, with good supervision to help reduce the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. Works Cited Chaney, Cassandra, and Ray Robertson. “Racism and Police Brutality in America.” Journal of African American Studies 17.4 (2013): 480-505. Premier of academic research. Network. March 15, 2014.Gul, Zakir, Hakan Hekim and Ramazan Terkesil. “Controlling (Excessive) Police Force: The American Case.” International Journal of the Humanities 10.2 (2013): 285-303. Premier of academic research. Network. March 12, 2014. Harmon, Rachel A. “When Is Police Violence Justified?” Northwestern University Law Review 102.3 (2008): 1119-1187. Premier of academic research. Network. March 13. 2014.