Police Brutality In The Hate U Give

Police brutality is defined as the excessive use of force by law enforcement against an individual or a group. The theme of police brutality repeatedly appears throughout the book “The Hate You Give”. For example, the murder of Khalil by the police for a broken taillight is exceptionally excessive. Furthermore, the detainment of Maverick for merely arguing with Mister Lewis is nothing short of excessive use of police force. Additionally, the police response to the protest about officer 115 not being charged can also be seen as the use of excessive force. The theme of police brutality appears throughout the book “The Hate U Give” when Khalil is shot by officer 115 when he is unarmed and has not committed any crime. For example “Pow” is a good

This shows that, the officer murdered Khalil after pulling him over. This is police brutality because Khalil had not done anything wrong and he was murdered by a police force that is supposed to serve and protect. Additionally, “Officer One-Fifteen yells at me, pointing to the same gun he killed my friend with.” (Thomas, 15). This shows that Officer 115 is continuing to use excessive force. Starr was the passenger in the car and was not even accused of a crime, but officer 115 still held Starr at gunpoint until other officers arrived. Police brutality is addressed in “The Hate U Give” throughout the entire book, beginning with the murder of Khalil and detainment of Starr. The theme of police brutality appears in the Hate U Give when the Police detain Maverick for having a discussion with his neighbor. For example “To me it looks like this young man was harassing you, sir,” the black one says, still looking at Daddy.” (Thomas 86). This shows that even though Maverick was just talking to his neighbor, the police felt the need to harass Maverick. Additionally, this is an example of the police using unnecessary force to intimidate black men. Furthermore, “The black officer looks at