Police officers have more power than the average citizen. They have the power to arrest, seize property, and even use deadly force. However, in recent months, there have been far too many instances of officers abusing these powers and killing those they are paid to protect.

In Ferguson, Missouri, Staten Island, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, officers took the lives of young black men in what seemed to be circumstances that did not require such deadly force. Outrage by many over the death of yet another young black male has started problems between protesters and police in clashes that has seen officers use tear gas and residents destroy local stores.

So, what is the punishment for taking the life of a citizen?  Are the officers who kill charged and prosecuted? The truth is, the officers who kill “in the line of duty” often face minor punishments. Some officers are fined, suspended or on paid leave. All of these punishments are far too minor for crimes that are unjustifiable. Police officers have risen above the law and abuse their powers however they wish.  This is extremely terrifying.

The most recent death at the hand of a police officer took place in Charleston, South Carolina. Walter Scott was killed by police officer Michael Slager after running away and being shot eight times. Slager was charged with murder for firing eight shots at Scott as he was running away, and is currently in jail. According to many sources, South Carolina police officer Michael Slager will not face the death penalty for shooting and killing Walter Scott, the local county prosecutor, Scarlett Wilson, said on Monday, April 16, 2015.

Many steps must be made if we want to protect our rights as American citizens. There must be open police records in all states, giving us access to records of misconduct. There should be a stronger focus on truly investigating extreme acts of violence by police officers – especially those that result in death.

Many states are working on improving this issue, In August, 2014, a Ferguson, Missouri, policeman shot and killed an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown. Browns death and the resulting protests and racial tension brought considerable attention to that town. When a white cop kills an unarmed black man, many blacks see a pattern that generates official suspicion, hostility and abuse based on skin color. Many communities have started petitions, but the Ferguson communities have talked in speeches, went around to many other communities and spoke up about police brutality.