We Still Can’t Breath

The Persistent Tragedy of Deaths in Police Custody

The death of individuals in police custody, particularly African Americans, remains a significant issue in the United States. This phenomenon has spurred widespread protests, advocacy, and calls for systemic change in law enforcement practices. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others have underscored the urgency of addressing police brutality and the conditions that lead to such tragic outcomes.

Data collected on deaths in police custody reveals a troubling pattern. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, from 2003 to 2019, over 7,000 deaths occurred in the process of arrest or in law enforcement custody. Studies indicate that African Americans are disproportionately represented in these statistics. For instance, while Black Americans make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, they account for around 24% of those killed by police officers.

The Case of Michael Brown: A Stark Reminder

Michael Brown, a 52-year-old resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut, serves as a poignant example of this ongoing crisis. On June 5, 2024, Brown was arrested and subsequently died in police custody in Milford, CT. Initial reports suggest that Brown repeatedly told officers that he could not breathe—a haunting echo of George Floyd’s final moments.

Details surrounding Brown’s arrest and death remain under investigation, but his case highlights critical issues in police procedures and the treatment of individuals during arrests. Witnesses have stated that Brown, who had a history of respiratory issues, was in visible distress and that his pleas for help were ignored until it was too late.

A Call for Overhaul in Arrest Procedures

Michael Brown’s death, along with numerous others, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in police arrest procedures, particularly regarding the handling of individuals who express difficulty breathing. There are several key areas where changes are imperative:

• Training and Awareness: Law enforcement officers need extensive training on recognizing and responding to signs of medical distress. This includes understanding the potential severity when a suspect states they cannot breathe.

• Medical Evaluation: Immediate medical evaluation should be mandated for any suspect who indicates breathing difficulties. This could involve on-scene assessments by trained medical personnel or swift transportation to medical facilities.

• Use of Restraints: The use of prone restraint techniques, where a person is held face down, should be re-evaluated and heavily restricted. This position can exacerbate breathing difficulties, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

• Accountability: There must be robust accountability mechanisms in place. This includes independent oversight of investigations into deaths in police custody and transparent reporting of such incidents.

• Community Engagement: Building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential. This involves regular dialogue, community policing initiatives, and ensuring that police departments reflect the diversity of their communities.

Conclusion

The death of Michael Brown in Milford is a tragic reminder of the systemic issues that persist in policing practices in the United States. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for an overhaul in arrest procedures becomes increasingly urgent. Ensuring that individuals in police custody are treated with dignity and provided necessary medical care is not just a matter of policy but a fundamental human right.

Reforming these practices requires a concerted effort from lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and the communities they serve. By implementing these changes, we can honor the lives lost and work towards a future where such tragedies are a thing of the past.