Recognizing the need for police self-examination
I was pleased and surprised to read that Scotts Valley Police Chief Walpole’s response to a reported increase in assaults on officers would include “tak[ing] a look at his own staff to ensure nothing they’re doing is pushing suspects over the edge” (“SV Crime Rates Rise in Some Categories, But Remains Low Overall,” May 30).
My extensive reading and work regarding use of force and other interactions between police and civilians have convinced me that law enforcement officers often escalate, rather than deescalate, those interactions unnecessarily. It is rare for a police chief to even consider, much less publicly voice, the possibility that officers’ behavior may be contributing to a problem.
Kudos to Chief Walpole for his brave and thoughtful response. I look forward to a report regarding his findings.
Peter Gelblum
Boulder Creek
