CLEVELAND — The recent indictment of two Canton police officers in the April death of Frank Tyson, whom they had been trying to subdue, underscores a pervasive issue in law enforcement — a culture that often overrides policy, training, and, crucially, empathy. In the body camera footage of this tragic incident, we see officers leaving Tyson handcuffed in a prone position despite his repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe.” While training teaches officers about the dangers of positional asphyxia, cultural attitudes within law enforcement can erode adherence to these protocols, putting lives at risk.
Law enforcement agencies across the nation have policies and training that address positional asphyxia and the need to monitor individuals in distress. Yet, when officers choose to ignore these policies, the underlying issue is often culture — not a lack of knowledge. The officers involved knew the risks of leaving Tyson handcuffed and prone, but a callous disregard for his humanity allowed them to ignore both his words and their training. In Tyson’s case, the culture in which these officers operated led them to view his pleas as an inconvenience rather than a life-threatening cry for help.
Police culture is a powerful force. It shapes behavior, influences decision-making, and fosters an environment where policies are selectively adhered to. Training alone cannot change this. What’s needed is a fundamental shift that prioritizes education and promotes higher levels of executive functioning — qualities like empathy, moral reasoning, and self-awareness, which can help officers see beyond stereotypes and make sounder, life-preserving decisions.
Education has been shown to reduce instances of excessive force and improve community trust. Research consistently links higher education levels in officers with better judgment and decision-making skills. Officers with college degrees tend to approach conflicts with a deeper understanding of human behavior and are less likely to escalate situations unnecessarily. But education alone is not enough. Departments must actively cultivate a culture that values emotional intelligence and moral reasoning as highly as physical readiness.
The culture that allowed Tyson’s death to happen goes beyond the actions of a few individuals. It reflects a system that, for too long, has emphasized toughness over compassion and action over reflection. This culture is not inevitable — it can be changed. However, to do so, law enforcement agencies must recognize that true change requires more than policies or mandatory training sessions. It requires leaders willing to challenge deeply entrenched attitudes and prioritize the values of empathy and accountability.
Building trust with the communities they serve should be a priority for all officers. Open and honest communication is essential for real change, particularly with those who feel marginalized by law enforcement. When officers take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with their communities, they lay the foundation for understanding and cooperation. This commitment to transparency and compassion must become a cornerstone of law enforcement culture.
Jeff Wenninger retired as a lieutenant after over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants LLC.Courtesy of Jeff Wenninger
Ultimately, culture will always have the upper hand over training unless we address the core beliefs that shape officer behavior. We can set all the policies we want. Still, unless there is a genuine commitment to embedding empathy and self-awareness into the fabric of policing, these tragic incidents will continue to happen. Officers who embody these values not only uphold the integrity of their profession but also work to restore faith in law enforcement, proving that they are committed to both personal and professional excellence.
If we fail to act now, the same patterns will repeat. We owe it to Frank Tyson and the countless others who have fallen victim to the toxic law enforcement culture to ensure that culture aligns with the principles of modern, humane policing. Only then can we begin to heal the deep-seated mistrust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Jeff Wenninger retired as a lieutenant after over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and is the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants LLC.
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