Getting Back on Script: An Investigation into the Use of Scripts to Reduce Police Violence

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of violence in the United States perpetrated by police through the study of the communicative concept of “scripts.” It serves to examine the reasons why the United States has such a strong narrative of violence in their law enforcement and attempt to address these origins with scripts. Further, it will investigate the use of scripts in other organizations and examine the use of scripts already employed by law enforcement organizations to determine where the problem lies. Finally, after gathering knowledge of the psychological values of behavioral scripts, will attempt to draft a script with key concepts deemed necessary to reduce violence. The following proposal will explain the importance of such a study and explain the steps necessary to accomplish it.