This episode discusses the impact of false narratives and misinformation on public perceptions of law enforcement—specifically regarding use of force. We address the prevalence of myths and misconceptions about police violence and the influence of these narratives on public opinion and policy.

The truth? Fatal police shootings are unlikely and uncommon. In fact, police shootings are incredibly rare. Using the Washington Post’s Fatal Force database and a 2023 Johns Hopkins University study, only .003% of police encounters results in fatal or injurious shooting.

Data, polls, and surveys cited in LELDF report Fatal Falsehoods: https://www.policedefense.org/fatal-falsehoods/

SOURCES FOR OPENING CLIPS:

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, April 20, 2021: https://www.C-span.Org/clip/news-conference/user-clip-hakeem-jeffries-we-have-a-police-violence-problem-4-20-2021/5194003

Bernie Sanders, March 3, 2019: https://www.Presidency.Ucsb.Edu/documents/remarks-campaign-rally-chicago-illinois-0

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Feb 6, 2023: https://www.c-span.org/program/us-house-of-representatives/house-sessions-part-3/623706