Is using force really an act of love? It is, although that concept can be difficult to grasp, especially given the current climate surrounding law enforcement. There’s a perceived need for officers to project an image of unwavering positivity, even as they face accusations of being sinister and uncaring. Perhaps a crucial area for improvement lies in better explaining the how and why behind the use of force. It starts with a fundamental shift in mindset: understanding that, at its core, it stems from a place of love.
Recent civil settlements underscore the need for improvement in how force is applied and perceived, although compromised government officials may contribute to these agreements.
Consider this analogy: parents and their children. If a child were to reach into a fire, a parent wouldn’t stand idly by. They would intervene, redirecting the child’s hand to prevent harm. Similarly, if a child carelessly wielded a sharp object near another sibling, a parent would take action to prevent injury. These actions, while technically involving force, are motivated by love.
What about sibling squabbles that escalate to hair-pulling or finger-bending? Do we intervene? Absolutely! There’s a time for negotiation, but when an exigency exists, immediate action is paramount. This intervention is an act of love, protecting those involved from potential harm.
This principle extends to the work of peace officers. They intervene on behalf of citizens when someone illegally steps out of bounds. The key difference is that officers aren’t dealing with children. They’re engaging with adults (or adolescents) who may be angry, non-compliant, mentally ill, impaired by drugs or alcohol, or even armed. While the immediate emotion might not be love, it remains a primary motivating factor. If officers didn’t care for the well-being of others, they wouldn’t choose this profession.
When force is necessary to overcome resistance, it can appear violent, and often is. This is where examining motivation becomes critical. Righteous anger, a primal reaction to fear, threats, and injustice, can be a powerful motivator. However, dwelling in that emotional state can lead to bitterness and resentment. When love is lost, it must be rediscovered.
Explaining the potential consequences of inaction is crucial when force is used. Articulating what was prevented is vital for transparency and understanding. While the word “love” might not be explicitly used, the mindset of care and compassion for the community should be evident. Explaining the principle of pain compliance—a measured amount of anguish until a person decides to surrender—is also necessary. The officer’s state of mind is paramount in determining the lawfulness of their actions. Sharing this perspective can help de-escalate tense situations.
While expecting officers to express affection for criminals during violent encounters is unrealistic, maintaining the mindset that their responsibility is to intercede and control is essential. Adjudication (punishment, rehabilitation, etc.) is the responsibility of the system. Many officers may not consciously view the use of force as an act of love, but it is. It’s love in action, providing safety for the community and potentially saving a wayward individual from further harm. As we intercede and control, we are potentially saving a wayward individual from further grief down the road.
When interacting with the media, the words used will shape public perception. A public information officer (PIO) once offered a valuable lesson at the scene of an officer-involved shooting. When asked if officers shot an unarmed driver, the PIO responded, “The driver was armed with a 3000 lb. projectile, and it was rapidly accelerating toward one of our officers when he opened fire in his effort to preserve life.” The PIO framed the situation as an act of intervention and control, preventing the reporter from portraying it as rogue justice.
Police work is becoming increasingly challenging as acts of rebellion are becoming more frequent. Officers should avoid physical contact unless an arrest is planned. Once the decision to take someone into custody is made, it should be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The philosophy of love is not passive. A firm but fair response to those who challenge lawful authority is necessary. As theologian John Stott said, “Some leaders are great champions of the truth and anxious to fight for it, but display little love. Others are great advocates of love, but have no equal commitment to truth, … Truth is hard if it is not softened by love, and love is soft if it is not strengthened by the truth.” Confronting the wolf to restore order when enforcing a righteous law is an act of love. Thank goodness there are sheepdogs willing to do it!