Police shootings: a review of the literature and the role of media in current racism & misrepresentation of the facts

Abstract

One current example of this is Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by a police officer in August 20141 after having committed a strong-armed robbery, assaulting a police officer, and charging at and refusing to follow the officer’s commands. Much has appeared to have been omitted about the life of Mr. Brown. His juvenile records have been sealed and attempts to have them unsealed have been unsuccessful. It does not appear that any official has denied or confirmed that he had a juvenile criminal history, though one would expect that officials would clearly indicate if no such record existed. He does not have any adult convictions. He was age 18 at the time he committed the strong-armed robbery and attack on the officer.