Investigation Reveals Over 1,000 Deaths After Police Use of Non-Lethal Force

The Associated Press investigation uncovers widespread issues in policing practices, leading to calls for reform and greater accountability.

Over a decade, more than 1,000 people died after police used force not intended to be lethal, sparking calls for transparency and reform.
The deceased disproportionately included Black Americans and those with mental, medical, or drug-related impairments.
In many cases, officers did not follow best practices for non-lethal force, leading to preventable deaths.
The federal government struggles to accurately count these deaths, with significant data gaps and inconsistencies.
Families often face obstacles in seeking justice, with few officers charged and many cases resulting in settlements or jury verdicts.