The actions of a young police officer when responding to a conflict situation was most definitely uncalled for as he threw punches at an unarmed woman who was allegedly trying to make her way past the police officers towards her sister on Friday night.

This incident happened in the heart of the city and in plain view of scores of people who had gathered for the night market event.

By now the video which has been seen by thousands of Samoans has become viral. The video clearly shows the police officer losing his cool in the situation and resorting to violence in his attempt to resolve a conflict. This in no way is conflict resolution.

After the events, the family of the young woman filed a complaint against the police officer. The officer in question seems to be a young man who has joined the police force lately. It is understandable that donning the uniform does give one a sense of power but that power comes with responsibility. Just as citizens of this country have to abide by the law, so does the police officer.

Was the violence necessary? Did the young woman’s action in any way pose a danger to the safety of the police officer and other members of the public that violence had to be used?

Violence against women is a big problem in Samoa. Now the same people who are tasked by the law to protect women and children are using violence against them. Just a few weeks ago, the Ministry of Police proudly launched their Domestic and Family Violence Strategy co-existing with its Family Violence Policy and Procedure which was launched in April.

The launch of the strategy is significant towards enhancing Samoa Police’s efforts in preventing domestic violence ensuring a harmonious environment and the well-being of families. According to Assistant Commissioner Papali’i Efo Moalele, the strategy plays a significant role in accomplishing its policy objectives.

It seems this police officer was not aware of the strategy or chooses not to follow the rules set by the police as guidelines when resolving conflict situations. It is understood that many times, when police officers attend to conflict situations, they too are targeted either verbal abuse or some form of physical abuse.

However, this does not grant them the right to become judge, jury and executioner in such matters. There are procedures to follow and this was not done on Friday night. Disciplinary action is required and the officer in question has to face up to the tribunal and also be given a chance to present his case.

In the case, he decides to admit to his fault, swift action must be taken and an example must be made so such behaviour is not repeated in the future. What is also concerning is that none of the police top brass have come forward with a statement to tell the public on how they intend to deal with the matter.

Every person has the right to liberty, security and freedom from discrimination, something that police brutality directly infringes upon. There are strict laws that govern the circumstances under which police officers are allowed to exhibit excessive force, for both civilians and prisoners. When a police officer uses force outside of these laws and standards, he or she is directly infringing upon the civil rights of others.

Police officers have an obligation to protect the right to life and to keep their communities safe. International law relating to police use of force states that lethal force should only be used as an absolute last resort, such as when the officer is threatened by serious injury or death.

When police officers verbally or physically assault their victims while on duty, these acts are considered police brutality.

Amnesty International offers various guidelines, such as the need to resort to minimum force unless otherwise required and the prohibition of excessive harm. These guidelines illustrate the “protect-life” principle, firearms use thresholds and other forms of lethal force within police departments and security forces. There is a section dedicated to accountability, the criminal investigation process and independent and impartial external oversight that’s required to keep law enforcement departments in check.

Implementing guidelines such as these would be a step closer to eliminating excessive force by police officers and keeping citizens safe in their daily lives. When oversight is administered over police departments, their officers are much more likely to face disciplinary action when they wrongly use excessive force, and they will be less likely to do so as a result.

Handling the problem of police brutality once and for all is a difficult issue, but there are solutions that have been advocated and reviewed by numerous individuals. It is now a matter of implementing these solutions, thereby allowing citizens to once again put their trust in the police and stop fearing potential harm that may come to them.