A recent study led by Julie Ward indicates that around 800 people are injured in police shootings annually in the United States, yet there’s no federal requirement to track these incidents. This significant gap in data raises questions about accountability and the potential prevalence of excessive force, particularly as many of the injured are not charged with any crimes, suggesting their encounters may not be justifiable under self-defense laws.
Ward’s research also highlights a troubling racial disparity, with Black and male victims disproportionately represented among those shot and injured by police. As police violence continues to capture national attention, this study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive data collection and targeted policy interventions to address both the immediate and long-term effects of nonfatal police encounters on communities, which affect over 50 million Americans each year.
Read full story at www.salon.com
