NOBLE Expresses Concern Over Recent Questionable Use of Force Applications by Law Enforcement

For Immediate Release                                                          

December 31, 2017                                                                                    

                                                                                                       

 On the Eve of a New Year The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Expresses Concern Over Recent Questionable Use of Force Applications by Law Enforcement

[Alexandria, VA] On the eve of a New Year, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) issues a call for greater accountability and training amongst law enforcement in the use of force against citizens.

Just in this past week, we have seen a tragic officer-related death of an unarmed man, Andrew Finch, in his home in Wichita, Kansas and serious officer-related injuries sustained by Ulysses Wilkerson, a teenager in Troy, Alabama, and several other similar recent Use of Force Applications by Law Enforcement across this country. People of all walks of life across this nation are concerned about the questionable use of force applications in these cases.

Though these both are ongoing investigations, the images of the moments prior to Mr. Finch's death and the bloody photos of Ulysses Wilkerson's trauma to the brain and face initially suggest questionable use of force applications by law enforcement officers. NOBLE is committed to building an inclusive community-oriented police and law enforcement culture that protects and does not victimize those it serves.

In 2018, we must be vigilant to investigate and require greater accountability and training when questionable uses of force by law enforcement result in harmful and deadly consequences for all citizens. These recent incidents further demonstrate the need for mandatory national standards, a national Use of Force Data Base and Criminal Justice reform, stated Clarence E. Cox, III National President of NOBLE.

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About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives 

 

Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African-American chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and criminal justice practitioners. For more information, visit http://www.noblenational.org.

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