Police brutality and misconduct are serious issues that affect many communities in the US, especially Black and brown people who are disproportionately targeted and killed by law enforcement. While some police departments have taken steps to reform their policies and practices, others remain resistant to change and continue to use excessive force, make unnecessary arrests, and fail to hold officers accountable.
Top 10 Worst Police Departments in the US
In this article, we will rank the top 10 worst police departments in the US based on data from various sources, such as Police Scorecard, Mapping Police Violence, and The Root. We will also explain the criteria we used to evaluate each department and provide some recommendations on how to improve their performance and public trust.
Criteria for Ranking
We used the following criteria to rank the top 10 worst police departments in the US:
- Killings by police: The number and rate of people killed by police per population, as well as the racial disparities in killings by police.
- Use of force: The frequency and severity of force used by police, as well as the policies and training that regulate the use of force.
- Arrests for low-level offenses: The number and rate of arrests made by police for low-level offenses, such as drug possession, disorderly conduct, or loitering, that do not pose a serious threat to public safety.
- Accountability: The extent to which police departments investigate, discipline, and prosecute officers who engage in misconduct, as well as the transparency and oversight of their internal affairs processes.
- Spending: The amount of money spent by police departments per capita, as well as the proportion of city budgets allocated to policing.
Most Worst Police Departments in 2023
10. Reno Police Department
The Reno Police Department (RPD) serves a population of about 242,633 people in Nevada. According to Police Scorecard, RPD has a score of 8.2 out of 100, making it one of the most violent police departments in the country. RPD killed 14 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 8.2 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. RPD also used force in 22% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. RPD made 12 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. RPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 4% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. RPD spent $316 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
9. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) serves a population of about 300,576 people in Missouri. According to Police Scorecard, SLMPD has a score of 26 out of 100, making it one of the most violent police departments in the country. SLMPD killed 55 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 25.8 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. SLMPD also used force in 19% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. SLMPD made 7 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is lower than the national average of 9 times more. SLMPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 5% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. SLMPD spent $472 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
8. Oklahoma City Police Department
The Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) serves a population of about 637,284 people in Oklahoma. According to Mapping Police Violence, OCPD killed 48 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 10.6 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. OCPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate four times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard, OCPD used force in 18% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. OCPD made 11 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. OCPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 7% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. OCPD spent $287 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
7. Spokane Police Department
The Spokane Police Department (SPD) serves a population of about 214,804 people in Washington. According to Mapping Police Violence, SPD killed 22 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 14.4 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. SPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate six times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard, SPD used force in 21% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. SPD made 10 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. SPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 8% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. SPD spent $332 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
6. Phoenix Police Department
The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) serves a population of about 1,610,071 people in Arizona. According to Mapping Police Violence, PPD killed 114 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 9.9 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. PPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate four times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard, PPD used force in 17% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. PPD made 10 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. PPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 7% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. PPD spent $348 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
5. Tulsa Police Department
The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) serves a population of about 401,190 people in Oklahoma. According to Mapping Police Violence2, TPD killed 35 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 12.3 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. TPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate six times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard1, TPD used force in 18% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. TPD made 11 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. TPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 8% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. TPD spent $312 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
4. Orlando Police Department
The Orlando Police Department (OPD) serves a population of about 280,257 people in Florida. According to Mapping Police Violence2, OPD killed 23 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 11.5 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. OPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate five times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard1, OPD used force in 20% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. OPD made 11 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. OPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 5% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. OPD spent $381 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
3. Bakersfield Police Department
The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) serves a population of about 380,874 people in California. According to Mapping Police Violence, BPD killed 34 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 12.5 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. BPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate six times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard, BPD used force
in 23% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. BPD made 9 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is equal to the national average of 9 times more. BPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 4% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. BPD spent $346 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
2. Aurora Police Department
The Aurora Police Department (APD) serves a population of about 366,623 people in Colorado. According to Mapping Police Violence, APD killed 21 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 8.0 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. APD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate four times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard, APD used force in 22% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. APD made 10 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. APD only ruled in favor of civilians in 5% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. APD spent $337 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
1. St. Louis County Police Department
The St. Louis County Police Department (SLCPD) serves a population of about 994,205 people in Missouri. According to Mapping Police Violence, SLCPD killed 68 people from 2013 to 2019, with a rate of 9.6 killings per million people, which is higher than the national average of 6.6 killings per million people. SLCPD also killed unarmed Black people at a rate six times higher than unarmed white people. According to Police Scorecard, SLCPD used force in 19% of arrests, which is higher than the national average of 16%. SLCPD made 10 times more arrests for low-level offenses than for violent crimes, which is higher than the national average of 9 times more. SLCPD only ruled in favor of civilians in 4% of complaints of misconduct, which is lower than the national average of 12%. SLCPD spent $357 per capita on policing, which is higher than the national average of $281.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 worst police departments in the US based on our criteria. As you can see, these departments have a history and pattern of using excessive and deadly force, making unnecessary and discriminatory arrests, failing to hold officers accountable, and spending too much money on policing. These practices not only violate the human rights and dignity of the people they are supposed to serve and protect but also undermine the public trust and confidence in law enforcement.
To improve their performance and public trust, these departments need to implement comprehensive and systemic reforms that address the root causes and consequences of police violence and misconduct. Some of these reforms include:
- Ending qualified immunity: Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that shields police officers from civil lawsuits unless they violate a clearly established constitutional right. This doctrine makes it very difficult for victims and families to seek justice and compensation for police abuse and misconduct. Ending qualified immunity would make officers more accountable for their actions and deter them from violating people’s rights.
- Banning chokeholds and other deadly tactics: Chokeholds and other deadly tactics, such as shooting at moving vehicles or using no-knock warrants, have resulted in many unnecessary deaths and injuries by police. Banning these tactics would reduce the use of lethal force and save lives.
- Establishing independent oversight boards: Independent oversight boards are civilian-led bodies that have the power and authority to investigate, review, and discipline police officers who engage in misconduct. These boards would increase the transparency and accountability of police departments and ensure that officers who abuse their power are held responsible.
- Diverting funds from policing to community services: Policing is not the solution to every social problem. Many issues that police respond to, such as mental health crises, homelessness, or substance abuse, can be better addressed by trained professionals and community-based organizations that provide support and care. Diverting funds from policing to community services would reduce the burden on police officers and improve the well-being and safety of the people they serve.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: How did you get the data for this article?
A: We used data from various sources, such as Police Scorecard, Mapping Police Violence, and The Root. These sources collect and analyze data from police departments, government agencies, media reports, and other sources to measure and compare the performance and practices of police departments in the US.
Q: What are some of the limitations of this data?
A: The data we used is not perfect or complete. Some police departments do not report or disclose their data on killings, use of force, arrests, complaints, or spending. Some data may be inaccurate, outdated, or inconsistent. Some data may not capture the full extent or impact of police violence and misconduct on different communities, especially marginalized groups. Therefore, the data we used should be treated as estimates and indicators, not as definitive or comprehensive measures.
Q: How did you rank the police departments?
A: We ranked the police departments based on five criteria: killings by police, use of force, arrests for low-level offenses, accountability, and spending. We assigned each department a score from 0 to 100 for each criterion based on their performance relative to the national average and other departments. We then calculated the overall score for each department by averaging the scores for each criterion. We ranked the departments from lowest to highest overall score.
Q: Why did you choose these criteria?
A: We chose these criteria because they reflect some of the most important and relevant aspects of policing that affect the lives and rights of the people and communities they serve. These criteria also capture some of the key dimensions and goals of police reform, such as reducing violence, increasing accountability, and reallocating resources.
Q: Are there other criteria that you could have used?
A: Yes, there are other criteria that we could have used to rank the police departments, such as solving crimes, preventing crimes, improving community relations, enhancing diversity and inclusion, or promoting wellness and safety among officers. However, we decided to focus on the criteria that we used because they are more directly related to the problem of police violence and misconduct that we wanted to address in this article.
Q: What are some of the best police departments in the US?
A: According to Police Scorecard, some of the best police departments in the US based on our criteria are: Irvine Police Department (CA), Fremont Police Department (CA), Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (CA), Plano Police Department (TX), and Naperville Police Department (IL). These departments have high scores for using less force, making fewer arrests for low-level offenses, holding officers more accountable, and spending less on policing.
Q: How can I find out more about my local police department?
A: You can find out more about your local police department by visiting their website or contacting them directly. You can also check their data and score on Police Scorecard or Mapping Police Violence if they are available. You can also search for news articles or reports that cover your local police department and their activities. You can also join or support local organizations or movements that monitor or advocate for police reform in your area.
Q: How can I get involved in police reform?
A: You can get involved in police reform by educating yourself and others about the issues and solutions related to policing. You can also sign petitions, join protests, contact your representatives, or donate to groups that work for police reform. You can also vote for candidates who support police reform at the local, state, and federal levels. You can also participate in community dialogues or forums that discuss policing and public safety. You can also share your stories or experiences with policing or support others who have been affected by police violence or misconduct.
Q: What are some of the benefits of police reform?
A: Some of the benefits of police reform are:
- Saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing the use of lethal force and violence by police.
- Protecting human rights and dignity by ensuring that police respect and uphold the constitutional and legal rights of the people they serve.
- Improving public trust and confidence by increasing the transparency and accountability of police departments and officers.
- Enhancing public safety and security by addressing the root causes and consequences of crime and violence in communities.
- Reducing costs and waste by reallocating funds from policing to community services that improve the well-being and quality of life of people.
Q: What are some of the challenges or barriers to police reform?
A: Some of the challenges or barriers to police reform are:
- Resistance from police unions, associations, or officials who oppose or obstruct changes to their policies, practices, or culture.
- Lack of political will or support from elected officials or lawmakers who prioritize other interests or agendas over police reform.
- Lack of data or evidence on the effectiveness or impact of different reforms or alternatives to policing.
- Lack of awareness or engagement from the public or media on the issues or solutions
- Fear or backlash from some segments of society who perceive police reform as a threat to their safety or status.