As an economist, Mr. Fryer wonders if the difference between lethal force — where he did not find racial disparities — and nonlethal force — where he did — might be related to costs. Officers face great costs, legal and psychological, when they unnecessarily fire their weapons. But excessive use of lesser force is rarely tracked or punished. “No officer has ever told me that putting their hands on inner-city youth is a life-changing event,” he said, contrasting the consequences of shootings and lesser uses of force.
This is only surprising if you don't understand selection bias, I think. We hear about a lot of uses of force, mostly in racial situations, and our priors get fucked up. In reality, if an officer is a bigot, consciously or otherwise, they are likely still pragmatic. Hands and pepper spray, you can get away with. You can make a career out of "getting away with" that.