32 Shots in the Dark: How Local Governments Can Increase Police Accountability When States Refuse To
Publication Date
5-2023
Document Type
Article
Abstract
On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor was shot to death in her apartment hallway by police officers executing a search warrant. The warrant was based on a false affidavit, the executing officers acted criminally on scene, and in the aftermath, detectives spread misinformation about the case on social media. While there was some limited accountability for the officers involved, many citizens considered the official response to be lackluster. After a period of public protest, Louisville and other cities all over the country have examined options for police reform at the local level. While most law enforcement agencies operate in a framework of state law that shields them through qualified immunity and other protective statutes, local governments do have the power to effect change. This Article reviews some recent initiatives nationwide related to police reform and discusses how local governing bodies can increase accountability.
Recommended Citation
Ziegler, Marcia M.
(2023)
"32 Shots in the Dark: How Local Governments Can Increase Police Accountability When States Refuse To,"
Mercer Law Review: Vol. 74:
No.
3, Article 12.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.law.mercer.edu/jour_mlr/vol74/iss3/12