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Last week, a jury delivered a pivotal verdict: Derek Chauvin was found guilty on three counts—manslaughter, and second- and third-degree murder—for the death of George Floyd. While this conviction marks a significant moment in the fight against police violence, it is essential to recognize that Chauvin is just one among many officers who have recklessly taken Black lives while on duty. His case alone does not represent justice for all those who have suffered.
Chauvin’s current imprisonment is a result of his actions on May 25, 2020, and it is hoped he is reflecting on the gravity of his choices and the life he extinguished. However, this conviction does not equate to comprehensive justice for all Black individuals harmed by police brutality. We still have a long way to go.
Let’s not forget that Chauvin wasn’t alone that day. The nine minutes and 29 seconds he pressed his knee on George Floyd’s neck occurred with the complicity of the other officers present. Legal expert Jamie Rivera noted to NBC News that Chauvin’s conviction underscores the strength of the prosecution’s case, which could spell trouble for his fellow officers.
Consider this: if a Black man were convicted of murdering a white man, with three others standing by and watching, would those others be deemed innocent? Certainly not. Justice should not be limited to one officer when multiple individuals are involved. Every officer who has fatally shot an unarmed Black person must face charges for murder, and those who fail to intervene should also be held accountable.
Chauvin’s actions did not lead to the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, and many others. Those lives were lost at the hands of other officers who should have been held to account long before the tragic events occurred. Each police officer involved in such incidents must be responsible for the lives they have taken. Responsibility should not merely involve reassignment or desk duty; there must be real legal consequences for violent behavior.
Every time a Black life is taken by police, hashtags like #SayHerName and #ICantBreathe circulate on social media. While these phrases help raise awareness, they cannot be the sole means of training or awakening for police departments. Officers are aware of the stakes when they allow their biases to dictate their actions. Racist officers who shoot unarmed Black individuals are conscious of their decisions.
We witness a disturbing trend of police brutality and killings in our society, where justice systems are flawed and disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities. An NPR investigation reported that since 2015, police have fatally shot at least 135 unarmed Black men and women, with over 75% of the officers involved being white. Derek Chauvin’s conviction cannot serve as a blanket excuse or justification for the many others who remain unpunished.
While I understand the dangers police face on the job, the response should not automatically be lethal force; it often appears to be their first or only option. In many cases, officers could have defused situations without resorting to deadly measures. If training is the issue, then it clearly needs to change.
I appreciate and respect our police officers; most are dedicated to protecting their communities. However, the numerous instances of harming the very people they are sworn to protect indicate that significant changes are necessary. It’s not enough to isolate one officer as a “bad apple.” Accountability must extend to entire departments and the justice system, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion, and enabling officers to engage with communities rather than act as barriers to justice.
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