According to the state’s records, since 1990, there have been 75 occasions involving the use of deadly force by Maine law enforcement, sometimes but not always, with deadly results.
In every single case, the use of deadly force has been justified following an investigation by the attorney general’s office using in-state law enforcement resources.
We recognize that the tax paying public expects a great deal from police officers. We expect quick courteous service, we want instant protection, we want bad guys to go to jail, and we want our own minor scofflaws ignored.
We expect police officers to make the right decision every time in a high stress, high stakes profession where virtually every decision will have some impact on someone’s life.
It’s not easy and we recognize that.
It is reassuring that state investigators have a detailed protocol when considering cases of deadly force but the state’s 75-0 record over the last 18 years is still troubling. Perhaps not statistically impossible, it is a figure that at the very least seems highly improbable.
It is troubling that investigators are concerned solely about the precise moment when force is applied, and give no consideration at all to the events that led to that moment.
Equally worrisome is that the public is relying on state law enforcement to investigate state law enforcement. In effect, when trying their own case, police are their own judge and jury.
With all that, we applaud Rep. Elizabeth Miller (D-Somerville) for advancing a proposal to form another means of oversight in such cases. At the very least, it should provide the general public with the reassurance that the power we have invested our authorities with, is truly being used in the public’s interest.
