New DOJ Order Requires Officers to Intervene If Witness to Abuse

MAY 24 2022·Updated DEC 29 2022

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Image credit: Getty Images [via NPR]

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.
NPR
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.
NPR
In addition to preventing excessive use of force, the new order also requires officers to render medical aid wherever needed, and prohibits them from firing a weapon at a moving vehicle with the sole purpose of stopping it and discharging warning shots at individuals.
wapo
The memo is one in a series of actions taken by the Biden admin. in the wake of the death of George Floyd and several other episodes of alleged police brutality.
nytimes
The DOJ doesn't have the authority to impose the requirements on local police forces, though the Biden administration intends for the document to be used as a template for localities.
nytimes
The new policy is scheduled to take effect on July 19.
NPR

Sources Split

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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.

nytimes

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.

wapo

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.