The Muzzling of the Sheepdog

Dr. Christopher T. Landavazo discusses #BML and news media false narrative and the dangers of defunding the police.

Use of Force by the Numbers: An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences

Police Use of Force

Wihbey and Kille (2016) indicated disparate views between citizens and police overuse of force by officers in the United States.  It was important to first define use of force and the tools available to police officers in the scope of their duties.  Terrill (2005) defined force by police officers as “acts that threaten or inflict physical harm on citizens, which includes forms of both verbal and physical force” (p. 115).

The use of force by a police officer could take many forms, including verbal commands, physical force (e.g., control holds, punching, kicking), Oleoresin Capsicum spray, electronic tasers, impact weapons (e.g., batons, flashlights), and firearms (Hoffman & Hickey, 2005).  The 1989 Supreme Court set the legal precedent for justified use of force by a police officer in the landmark case of Graham v. Connor (1989).  The standard, known as the objectively reasonable, states:

reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene… the calculus must embody an allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving about the amount of force necessary in a particular situation (Graham v. Conner, 1989, para. 22).

The reasonableness factor was perhaps the best-known cause for the incongruent views of citizens and police officers regarding the use of force by officers.

More than two decades after Rodney King and the 1992 L.A. riots, allegations of excessive force by police officers around the Unites State continued to generate national headlines (Wihbey & Kille, 2016).  More recently, the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, illustrated the stark racial divide with the reactions of Whites (37%) versus Blacks (80%) who believed the case raised important issues about race (C. Doherty & Weisel, 2014).  Controversies over the acquittal of police officers in widely covered cases by media involving the death of Black men generated concerns over equal justice and questions about police officer use of force (Hook, 2015; Wihbey & Kille, 2016).

Although media focus concentrated on police officer use of force against African Americans, Wihbey and Kille (2016) suggested confidence in law enforcement was relatively low and expectations of excessive force on suspects were high in both Latino and African American communities.  The community’s assessment of the use of force was important to police as well as the community, “unfortunately for both, public expectations of the police are at times unreasonable” (R. R. Roberg, J. Kuykendall, & K. Novak, 2002).  Although the media presented one narrative of excessive abuse of power and use of force, the numbers told a different story.

Use of Force by the Numbers:

An examination of data limitations fetters the understanding of police officer use of force, specifically deadly force.  In the United States, police officers shoot and wound 1,200 people and kill on average approximately 600 citizens a year (R. Roberg et al., 2002).  Geller and Scott (1992) stated that although the number of citizens injured due to resisting police authority was unknown, they estimated the number to be between 0.1 and 1%.  Wihbey and Kille (2016) indicated the number was slightly higher with the percentage in 2005 reported at 1.6%.  Although some argued citizens were at risk, a University of South Carolina study suggested police officers, rather than suspects, bore the brunt of injury when suspects resisted (M. R. Smith et al., 2010).  The University of South Carolina study reported using physical force increased the odds of injury to police officers by more than 300% and to a suspect by more than 50% (2010).

Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences:

An analysis presented a narrative in stark opposition to that shared by media and groups like BLM that claimed a disproportionate number of Black people were killed at the hands of police officers (Garza, 2014; Kaste, 2016a; Quah & David, 2015).  In 2016, Harvard University’s Department of Economics Professor Roland G. Fryer published an analysis that reviewed national data of 1,332 police shootings that occurred between 2000 and 2015.  Fryer (2016) recognized the historical injustices that remained unhealed supported healthy discourse about policy, law enforcement, and race.  Fryer (2016) concluded:

On the most extreme use of force – officer-involved shootings – we find no racial differences in either the raw data or when contextual factors are taken into account.  We argue that the patterns in the data are consistent with a model in which police officers are utility maximizers, a fraction of which have a preference for discrimination, who incur relatively high expected cost of officer-involved shootings. (p. 35)

Hoffman and Hickey (2005) in a separate seven-year longitudinal study (1993-1999) of large suburban police departments concluded there was no statistically significant difference between female and male police officer use of force.

Media Sensationalism:

In her book, A Primer in the Politics of Criminal Justice, Marion (1995) discussed how the media tended to distort or overinflate the perception of the public through repetition.  As in the case of media reporting on police corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power, Marion (1995) suggested news media’s propensity to show a story as it broke and then relentlessly show it repeatedly inflated the public’s reality of how often these incidents occurred.  News media also distorted reality by selecting what they would and would not show to the public (Marion, 2002).

As in the Rodney King incident, MacDonald (2017), who coined the term Ferguson Effect, suggested the news media, BLM, and sports figures perpetuated rhetoric rather than fact.  She further suggested the significant rise in homicides of Black people in 2016 (7,881), 900 more than 2015, were not due to being killed by the police or Whites, but by other Black people.  She further pointed out, contrary to the BLM narrative, in 2015 police officers were “18.5 times more likely to be killed by a Black male, than an unarmed Black male was to be killed by a police officer” (MacDonald, 2017).  Over the past decade, the data showed Black males accounted for 42% of cop-killers, yet only comprised 6% of the population (2017).

Conclusion:

The expectations by the public, elected officials and news media for these systemic issues that are the result of poverty, institutionalized welfare, lack of education or access to education, which are thrust upon law enforcement to address, often paired with the expectation to resolve related issues without the use of force, are completely unrealistic and unattainable.  The unfortunate truth is when ill-equipped police officers, in the micro-fraction of highly volatile and dangerous situations, that they are not able to resolve, are caught on video, the news media exploits the event for financial gain by scathingly and repeatedly criticizing the actions of the police officers.  The new gold standard for such events are situations that involve people of color and police officer use of force because of the ability of these stories to emotionally charge viewers and create greater levels of viral activity through social media, which in turn increases revenues for the media companies.

Unfortunately, in today's media climate, the scientific research that proves police officer bias, although present, is not a factor in police use of force – a fact that is rarely presented by liberal news media sources.  This dangerous false narrative perpetuated by the liberal news media that police officers are racist and heavy-handed only serves to create greater separation and skepticism of each other by both community members and police officers.

(Excerpt from “The Muzzling of the Sheepdog: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of the Impacts of Media Reporting on Police Officer Performance”)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - The Muzzling of the Sheepdog - Dissertation by Dr. Christopher T. Landavazo

When I die, I want the gifts, skills, experiences, and wisdom granted to me by God to be fully used up in a way that leaves the world a better place for future generations of Americans.  This passion to be an agent of change has often required the greatest sacrifices to be made by those closest to me.  Without them, none of this would be possible.  I would like to acknowledge all those who helped make my dissertation journey possible.

First, I would like to say thank you to my family for being my inspiration.  Grandma Rose A. Cardona, thank you for always encouraging the pursuit of higher education.  It would have been an honor to have you here to witness this day, but I am honored to be the first in our family to earn a college degree and to continue on a path to make good on my promise to you, to have a “doctor in the family.”  I now have the honor of joining 1% of Latinos worldwide that achieve this level of education and earn this title.  To my grandma, Margaret Landavazo, thank you for your spiritual guidance and instilling of faith and trust in God.  And, to my grandfathers, Tobe Landavazo, Raymond Silva, and Frank P. Cardona, whom all fought in WWII, thank you for your collective example of the importance of being of service to others and to our nation.  In memory of my sister, Monique Landavazo, for her presence in my family and my personal drive to be an instrument of positive change.

To my mom, Lucille R. Landavazo, and dad, Michael F. Landavazo, thank you for your unconditional love, patience, and understanding.  You have been the best parents any child could ever want or need.  Although your journey has not always been easy, the lessons we learned as a family, by your strength, courage, perseverance, and focus on family, have provided a solid foundation for our family’s growth and prosperity.  Even though you may not have understood the world of academia, thank you for encouraging me to chase my dreams.  Your support means more to me than you will ever know.

I fully believe in intention, so putting it out there in the universe: to my brothers, Fire Chief Sean P. Landavazo and Lieutenant Michael D. Landavazo, thank you for a lifetime of adventures.  You have both been a source of inspiration and I am proud to continue serving alongside you in service and protection of our communities.  Every day I don the badge and gun, I think about Stephanie Landavazo, Jordan Landavazo, Rian Landavazo, Kristen Landavazo, Ellie Sue Landavazo, and Kaden Landavazo.  I am grateful to God to have been given the mission along with both of you, to keep the world a safer place for them and for others.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God – Matthew 5:9.

To my mentors, Roberta and Phil Abner, Joe Dempsey, Lynda Castro, Donnie Mauldin, Diana Holloway, John Pinette, and to the police officers who helped shape me in my formative years at Ventura Police Department: Bernadette Compean, Tim Turner, Kristen Fortin, Gregory Utter and Nancy Schindler, thank you for believing in me and supporting me throughout the years.  To my 4th and 5th grade teacher, Carol Lawrence, who was the first teacher who taught me to believe in myself, I am eternally grateful to you.  Each of you has been instrumental to my professional growth, development, and advancement.  I hope I have done you all justice – thank you.

Thank you to my committee, Dr. Douglas Devore, Dr. Laurie Love, and Dr. Curtis McIntyre for your persistent expectation of academic greatness, encouragement, and guidance through this dissertation journey.  You taught me, inspired me, challenged me to carefully examine everything and to become a beacon of analytical thought and dedicated practitioner of research.  I would like to additionally thank Dr. Heather Taylor Holbert for your partnership to ensure the accuracy of my data.  Collectively, you have helped me navigate the obstacles of the dissertation journey and produce a study that adds to the academic knowledge of police officers, news media and the importance of ethical standards and transparency within both professions.

To my Delta Cohort members, you have been my trident, and Dr. Love the rod. Thank you for being the team I needed along this journey.  Tammie Castillo-Schiffer, thank you for being the organized member of the Delta-team and for helping us to navigate this process.  To my partner in crime, Madeline Roachell, your right words are not enough.  Thank you for being crazy enough to take this journey with me and for your wise counsel, support, and courage to challenge me to consistently take a broader view.  As this journey comes to an end, I know our bond cannot be broken, and that we are stronger, wiser and more ready for the adventures ahead.  Friends for life.  Deltas, no matter the mission or journeys that lie ahead, know that you have a partner for life and that I expect nothing short of greatness from us all.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my military family, law enforcement families at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and Ventura Police Department (VPD), and my closest friends and family.  Your presence in my life has become the driving force.  Thank you to Lupe and Darlene Jaramillo, Ray Silva, Gladys Gallegos, Mary Ann Martino, Leonard and Connie Aguayo, Paul and Gloria Silva, Father Joe Bitar, John Applegate, Crisanta Castillo-Reyes, Trent Miles, Bill Moulder, Veronica Chau, Daly Tapiz-Chau, Angela Gonzalez, Pauley Perrette, Sean Tabibian, Sharon Hakimfar, Jamie Masada, Christine Devine, Ed Medrano, Mark Yokoyama, Ken Corney, Alex and Vivian Villanueva, Michael Learned, Mark Sackett, Lt. Col. Bob Friend, Millie Taylor, LaJuana Haselrig, Ed Ramirez, Deborah Cotto, Patrick Jordan, Lynne Klamser, Sergio Aloma, Diane and Cheri Dodd, Megan Delaney, Shane Chapman, Nancy Iwata, Alise Norman, Lyle Trainer, Mark and Gerri McCorkle, Marcus Smith, Mara and David Kluth, Richard Fernandez, Brandi Kjose, Brian Fagan, Calpernia Sarah Addams, Anthony Putney, Eric Tatro, Thomas Schoos, Wayne Countryman, Jaquie Stewart, Debby Holiday, Brook Marshall, Melvin Joseph, Cole Spurrier, Betsy Watson, Jenna Nunez, Dottie Conroy, Tammy Sherman, Mike Moen, Steve Gordon, Vic Davalos, Shawn Kehoe, Keith Melanson, Sharon Maister, Ashley Guimont, Justin Melnick, Jonathan Pinto, Shahin Yousefi, Kimberly Guerrero, Suzette Becerra, Alejandra Godinez, Nancy Gonzalez, Tamayo Minerva, Nancy Reza, Axel Elias, Iris Bernal, Nilda Rivera, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, Dr. Christine Zeppos, Mary Sieger Leaf, Andrew Sass, Tarjamo Hannu, Jack Osbourne, David Ayala, Natasha Butler, Noelle Caldwell-Allebest, Sergio Mancilla, Jason Wolak, Lewis Howes, Mark Phelan, Janet Barragan, James Chambless, Vince Cisneros, Brittany Collins, Dottie Conroy, Dr. Joe Granish, Robert Esson, Anthony Otero, Tom and Eva Hernandez, Arwen Hernandez, Dawne Hernandez, Heather Hernandez, Jane and Scott Twombley, Taryn and Ron Oestreich, Tonya Wilkerson, and Bridget and Marc Saunders.  A special thank you to the following: Rubin Lino, Chase Coniglio Christian Thomas, Victor Vasquez, and Matthew Stratman.

Finally, thank you to all the professors and professional staff who work with Brandman University’s doctoral program.  You taught me how to develop transformational solutions to support the challenges facing law enforcement and our nation.  This educational foundation has helped me take a stronger, more effective leadership role in law enforcement.  In closing, may God continue to bless, inspire, and work within each of us to transform our world.  Thank you for being a part of my journey.  Onward and upward!

Statement of Purpose

Doctoral Journey - Day 1

Doctoral Journey - Day 1

When I was 11 year’s old, I was violently assaulted by a drunk Caucasian woman in the middle of the night on an Amtrak train going from San Bernardino to Gallup New Mexico. I was traveling alone. The woman used every racial slur imaginable in a train car packed with adults of every background, yet no one came to render assistance. I recall holding fast to the armrest, trying to keep her from forcing me out of my seat. With a bludgeoning blow, she won by busting my lip open. She did not want to sit next to a “wetback,” and she thought it best to use anger, discrimination, and hate to force me out of my seat. I spent the rest of the night in the observation car, feeling troubled and different, sobbing myself to sleep.

The next morning, train officials summoned police officers to the Flagstaff train station and the woman was escorted off the train. As a child, I was relieved to see the police. To me, they were a symbol of law, order, and protection. That day, I swore that I would never allow myself to be like one of the docile passengers on the train that night who, although fully aware of what was happening, stood by and did nothing for me. Rather, I wanted to be one of the officers who stood up, took action and dedicated their lives to the fight for civil and human rights, peace, and equality.

Nearly 30 years later, I have served as a law enforcement officer for 15 years. Prior to entering the ranks of law enforcement, I served eight years in the United States Navy. I am a 3rd generation American, and I became the first person in my family to graduate from college. With the aid of the GI Bill, I pursued a Masters of Leadership at the University of Southern California and awarded my Master degree in 2010. In addition to becoming an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, I also founded the non-profit organization Cops 4 Causes which serves as a conduit between law enforcement and the communities law enforcement serves.

Sadly, over the past 10 years, I have been witness to the deterioration of trust in law enforcement officers and the Criminal Justice System. Today, the fabric of the “Great Experiment” is being torn apart by perceived and real divides in racial equity and treatment of minorities by the American Criminal Justice System. Our ability to maintain a peaceful society will be predicated on the manner in which we address these great divides in perceived and actual racial inequalities.

In my continued quest to fight for civil and human rights, peace and equality, I have chosen to pursue a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership at Brandman University. I have given much thought to the rigors of this program and my ultimate desire to become a recognized law enforcement expert on race relations to promote equity within the criminal justice system. Through my work, I seek to develop programs to address the emergent needs of the United States Government to address the highly volatile issues of race, race relations and perceived police abuse of police powers.

I will accomplish these goals by partnering with existing professionals who are working on restorative justice initiatives that have lacked law enforcement involvement. The goal will be to sharply focus on causation factors of imprisonment such as poverty, lack of education and perceived bias policing practices.

It is with great thought that I share these intentions with you. I am prepared to take this next step in the commitment I have made to my career and mission in life. Through my work, I will foster healthy and effective relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve as we face these very contemporary and new domestic challenges regarding race, civil rights, and justice.