How Police Violence Reshapes Community Health and Trust

Overview

This Brookings article explores how police violence—both fatal and nonfatal—impacts public health, erodes trust in institutions, and contributes to long-term social and economic harms. The commentary argues that the consequences of aggressive policing extend far beyond individual incidents, reshaping community well-being, especially in Black and Brown communities.

Key Points

• Police violence leads to chronic stress, trauma, and physical and mental health challenges for both direct victims and the broader community.
• Neighborhoods that experience frequent police violence also report higher levels of fear, reduced trust in medical systems, and lower engagement with public institutions.
• Studies show a clear correlation between police killings and negative birth outcomes, including lower birth weights and premature births in affected communities.
• Black Americans are disproportionately affected by these harms due to a long history of over-policing and structural racism in law enforcement practices.

Policy Implications

The authors call for a shift in public safety strategy that incorporates public health frameworks. It is recommended that police departments invest in alternatives to force, increase accountability, and embed social services into their response systems. Community-based approaches, mental health crisis teams, and restorative justice initiatives are suggested as key pathways for reducing harm and building trust.

Research Context

This commentary draws from a broad evidence base, including academic studies, policy briefs, and data on health disparities. It cites police violence as a public health issue, not only a criminal justice concern, urging policymakers to take a cross-sectoral approach to community safety and wellness.