Issue
Police brutality is a global issue, with many countries in Latin America experiencing human rights violations by law enforcement. While defunding the police is not a viable solution, effective policing is crucial. The root causes of police brutality are complex, involving societal, political, individual, and institutional factors. Ensuring police compliance with the rule of law requires a multi-faceted approach.
Context
In Latin America, the legacy of inquisitorial criminal justice institutions inherited from the colonial past has had a profound impact. This meant that democracies in the region were born with weak due process protections that have enabled state authorities and police to abuse their coercive powers as they investigate and prosecute crimes.
Method
I followed an evidence-based policing approach, which aims to apply scientific knowledge to improve police practices. My research primarily employs quasi-experimental and experimental methods, complemented by qualitative research to gain a deep contextual understanding. This research has required collaboration with police corporations, policymakers, civil society organizations, and communities impacted by police abusive behaviors.
Results
Police abuse is more common in areas with high crime rates, particularly where organized criminal groups compete violently against each other and the state. Violent threats to the state often lead politicians to adopt harsh security measures, including the militarization of law enforcement. These strategies significantly increase police brutality.
Police violence is more common in unequal societies, particularly those divided by class and race. Impoverished urban communities, where the state is absent, are disproportionately targeted by police brutality.
Conclusions
Establishing equal protection for marginalized groups targeted by police abuse is crucial for subjecting police to the rule of law. Unfortunately, police abusive behavior might even be socially justified, tolerated, or ignored by the broader public that often stereotypes victims of police abuse as “criminals” based one their race, class, or place of residence.
Research suggests that institutional reforms like stronger due process, judicial oversight, and police demilitarization are effective in reducing police brutality. Technology can also be used to restrain abusive behavior by frontline officers.
Citation
Magaloni, B. (2024). Challenges in creating humane and equitable policing: A focus on the Global South. Criminology & Public Policy, 23(1), 3–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12661
