DOC714S - WK 1 - Event Synthesis
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Feb 20, 2024
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Event Synthesis Using Brookfield’s 4 Lenses
Aarron Buzzard
University of Phoenix DOC/714S: Symposium I
Dr. Amy Preiss
November 20, 2023
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Event Synthesis Using Brookfield’s 4 Lenses
The use of force is a problem within the United States; one factor that makes the use of force controversial is that many trying to criticize have never been placed in a situation that would refer to the use of force doctrine. Law enforcement officers were placed in the authority role and trained to the use force policies as necessary to uphold the law; however, many law enforcement officers are taking the use of force too far and unjustifiably committing crimes against the citizens they are interacting with. Breaking down the use of force using Brookfield’s four lenses could help focus on where more of the problems are instead of varying opinions of those who have never been placed into a situation that warrants that type of response.
Use of Force Occurring in Society
There have been many cases involving the use of force over the years, and it has become more prevalent recently, more than likely due to the upgrades in technology and the ability to record videos. Most recent high-profile cases have been George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, and Elijah McClain. Seeing these cases, yes, many factors vary on the situation, but common factors link these together. Green and Peneff (2022), “In a review of 91 of 100 police departments in the largest U.S. cities, they found that only 34 of the 91 departments required officers to de-escalate situations prior to using force. Only 21 departments explicitly prohibited chokeholds and strangleholds, and only 56 required officers to provide a warning before deadly force was used.” Another area for improvement with these different departments is the consistency in implementing the use of force policy. Green and Peneff (2022), “At the department level it was discovered a wide variation in force continuum policy; some departments considered chemical sprays and energy devices (e.g., TASERs) to be at the same level of force, while others listed
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them at distinct levels." These inconsistencies show no baseline standards for implementation, causing more issues holding officers accountable for excessive force cases. Another problem faced is that each officer has a different perspective on the situation, making it hard to hold that standard for everyone. Using Brookfield's four lenses, this discussion breaks down four perspectives that enable learners to become more self-aware and reflective (Brookfield, 1998).
Lense 1: Autobiographical
This lens is based on individual experiences and values to understand better how they shape an individual’s perspective on the world. The autobiographical lens also indicates the effects these types of situations have on law enforcement officers. Law enforcement experiences on a personal level would give insights to understand better why the officer exhibited the behaviors based on the circumstances that led to the situation (Staller et al., 2021).
Lense 2: Critical
This lens encompasses the reexamination of assumptions and the investigation of different perspectives. The critical lens is used for evaluating law enforcement interactions with citizens, conflict underlying factors, and circumstances within law enforcement training. For law enforcement officers, observations of communication details in violent events or procedural justice theory may offer new methods for law enforcement interactions with citizens (Staller et al., 2021).
Lense 3: Discursive
This lens investigates the language and dialogue used to build knowledge and meaning.
This lens allows law enforcement to develop an awareness of the effect of their actions on citizens affected by these situations. The discursive lens would assist in describing assumptions
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and offer evidence that officers' actions have the same values and perceptions that citizens have on the situation (Staller et al., 2021).
Lense 4: Perceptive
This lens comprises searching for various methods of observing the world. The perceptive lens would allow law enforcement to have critical conversations with other law enforcement officers and the community, allowing citizens to express their perspectives on the issue without retaliation freely. Among these conversations, gaining insight into how these cases deteriorate the officers' perception and relationship with the community. Additionally, involving other departments and communities can provide more in-depth perspectives that could provide more collaborative solutions to these issues (Staller et al., 2021).
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References
Brookfield, S. (1998). Critically reflective practice.
Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 18
(4), 197. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/critically-
reflective-practice/docview/206785153/se-2 Green, E., & Peneff, O. (2022, August 15).
An Overview of Police Use of Force Policies and Research
. Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. https://icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/an-overview-of-police-use-of-
force-policies-and-research
Staller, Mario & Koerner, Swen. (2021). A Case Example of Teaching Reflective Policing with Police Students
. 10.13140/RG.2.2.24996.81287