On Tuesday during the Prince William County Board of Supervisors meeting, Police Chief Peter Newsham discussed a myriad of issues, from programs they have initiated to defending a recent investigation of a private citizen who sent an email to Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey. Although most of the conversation stemmed from the latter, there was one topic that particularly stood out, one that the county has often failed to address: the disproportionate use of force on Black people.

According to Newsham’s presentation, there were 369 cases in 2020 that resulted in use of force. He mentioned that one of the goals was to remove the negative connotation of the term, ensuring that it’s described as using any physical action for someone that is being lawfully detained, even if they are not arrested, such as when there is a potential mental health crisis. He also stated that it is a “decision making policy” and that de-escalation is emphasized during training. Another goal that he stated was not to use any force, and for the police department to determine when force is used. However, there was a 32 percent increase in use of force in 2020 compared to 2019, and the numbers are staggering. Based on the report released in July, use of force was emphasized in a resounding 49 percent of arrests in Black people, while 24 percent were White and 23 percent were Hispanic.

When those types of numbers were shown, it should have rang alarm bells throughout the chambers. Neabsco District Supervisor Vic Angry asked if body cameras could be turned off at any time, to which Newsham did say that was not possible. Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin addressed the disparity in the use of force numbers, asking what is being done to review these numbers. Newsham responded that Congressman Jennifer Wexton is conducting an investigation into the matter. He stated that he is, “looking forward to an objective investigation.”

The question now becomes, what will the investigation show that hasn’t already been known? That Black people are more likely to be victimized in arrests by use of force because a police officer deems it so? Newsham stating that they are asking for federal money to look into the issue. “We’ve put a lot of thought into it,” said Newsham, “and if any one has any ideas please let us know.”

One idea would be to do more thorough investigations to ensure that the decision making processes that have been lauded by the police department are actually being used in those situations, because on an optics level it appears that is not the case. Also, and this has been a long standing issue, the deployment of greater diversity within the ranks of the department. This is something that needs to be curbed quickly, before Prince William County becomes the next tragic moment.