AI Flashcards Lecture 11
What is the monopoly of legitimate violence, and how does it relate to police violence?
As defined by Max Weber, the state claims the exclusive right to use physical force legally. This monopoly is established through a process of legitimation and is limited to a specific geographical area. Police violence is part of this monopoly, but there are limits to its legitimacy.
How prevalent are lethal police shootings in the Netherlands?
According to official data from the Openbaar Ministerie (OM), there are around four lethal police shootings per year in the Netherlands. However, lethal police incidents extend beyond shootings, including cases where individuals die during or following police interactions, even if not directly shot.
What are the typical characteristics of victims of lethal police incidents in the Netherlands?
Research indicates that 95% of victims are men, and about 50% show signs of confusion. Additionally, 75% are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How do lethal police incidents in the Netherlands compare to other Western European countries?
The Netherlands has a relatively high rate of lethal police incidents compared to other Western European countries.
When does police violence become illegitimate?
Police violence is considered illegitimate when it involves disproportionate use of force (police brutality) or disproportionately and unjustifiably targets specific populations (ethnic profiling).
What is the legal framework governing police violence in the Netherlands?
The Politiewet 2012 outlines the principles of subsidiarity (using force only as a last resort) and proportionality (force used must be proportionate to the threat). Internal reporting mechanisms are in place to monitor police violence.
How are incidents of police violence reported internally in the Netherlands?
After using violence, a law enforcement officer reports to the Hulpofficier van Justitie (deputy prosecutor), who may initiate a violence registration. A committee evaluates whether the use of force met legal requirements. In cases of serious injury or death, the Rijksrecherche (national criminal investigation department) conducts an investigation.
Are minority groups disproportionately affected by police violence in the Netherlands?
Evidence suggests that minority groups are over-represented among victims of police violence, both lethal and non-lethal, in the Netherlands and the United States. However, accessing and interpreting data on minority backgrounds is challenging.
What are some explanations for the over-representation of minorities in police violence statistics?
There is debate about whether over-representation is relative to the proportion of the population or to other factors like involvement in crime. Some studies argue that police violence victims reflect the demographics of those arrested, while others contend that over-representation occurs at the stage of police contact. Socioeconomic factors and neighbourhood characteristics can also contribute to disparities.
What are the potential mechanisms explaining over-representation of minorities in police violence?
The lecture identifies six possible mechanisms: 1. Legitimate policing 2. Communication failure 3. Explicit bias 4. Implicit/subtle bias 5. Institutional bias 6. Societal bias. These mechanisms can operate independently or in combination.
How does institutional bias contribute to police brutality and illegitimate use of force?
Institutional bias refers to systemic factors within police institutions and tactics that can lead to discriminatory practices, even without individual officers holding biased views. An example is the privatization of public space and the implementation of zero tolerance policing, which studies have linked to increased tensions and violence, particularly affecting minority communities.
How does societal bias influence police brutality and the illegitimate use of force?
Societal bias stems from broader social and political contexts, including media and political discourse. Shifts in public opinion and political agendas can impact police policies and practices. For example, in the Netherlands, the focus on ‘dangerous Others’ and ‘crimmigration’ has been linked to increased ethnic profiling and the expansion of preventive law enforcement powers, potentially leading to discriminatory practices.
