gold officer with red background

Police Violence

Vision: Our vision is to create a society free from unwarranted police violence, where emerging adults from all cultural backgrounds can thrive in an environment that promotes justice, equality, and overall well-being.

Mission: Our mission is to conduct rigorous research and analysis on police violence exposure among emerging adults, emphasizing cultural relevance and making data-informed contributions toward preventive and intervention practices. Through collaboration with social scientists, community stakeholders, and policymakers, we strive to eradicate unwarranted police violence and its detrimental impacts on mental and behavioral health.

Goal: We aim to develop effective preventive and intervention practices that address unwarranted police violence and its consequences, focusing specifically on emerging adults. By examining the root causes and systemic disparities, we aim to guide evidence-based policy changes, enhance police-community relationships, and improve mental and behavioral health outcomes for affected individuals. We seek to empower communities, engage diverse perspectives, and create sustainable solutions that foster social justice and equality.

Interactive Map for Examining Fatal Police Encounters by Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

Robert O Motley Jr., PhD

The United States has witnessed a number of deaths at the hands of law enforcement officers including the high-profile deaths of Eric Garner (July 2014): Michael Brown (August 2014): Laquan McDonald (October 2014): Tamir Rice (November 2014): Freddie Gray (April 2015): Philando Castile (July 2016): Jordan Edwards (April 2017): Breonna Taylor (March 2020): George Floyd (May 2020): Daunte Wright (April 2021): and Tyre Nichols (January 2023). These incidents highlight the ongoing concerns and discussions around law enforcement practices and policy.

In an era where data-driven insights are crucial for informed practice and policy decision-making, providing comprehensive and accessible data on law enforcement-related fatalities involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is of paramount importance. The Racism-based Violence Injury and Prevention Lab at Boston College School of Social Work proudly presents an innovative interactive map that offers users the ability to examine law enforcement-related fatalities by federal, state, and/or local law enforcement agencies in the United States. This interactive map serves as a vital resource for scholars, policy leaders, law enforcement officials, and advocates, offering a detailed and nuanced understanding of the dynamics surrounding these critical incidents.

This tool is instrumental, as it aids in comprehensive study and informed policy making, while also serving as a platform for community engagement and advocacy. This interactive map is more than a collection of data; it's a catalyst for change. We encourage visitors to explore, analyze, and draw insights that contribute to constructive dialogues and tangible improvements in law enforcement practices and policies at the local, state, and federal level.