What was a significant concern for those involved in the Civil Rights Movement related to police behavior?

A significant concern for those involved in the Civil Rights Movement was the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters. Throughout the movement, participants often faced violent responses from law enforcement even when they were engaged in nonviolent demonstrations. This brutality was not just a local issue but was indicative of a broader systemic problem where peaceful advocacy for civil rights was met with aggression and hostility from police forces.

Many key events, such as the Selma to Montgomery marches, brought national attention to these instances of violence, highlighting that rather than protecting citizens, police were often complicit in the oppression of marginalized communities. As a result, the behavior of police became a pivotal focus during the movement, with activists demanding not only an end to violence against demonstrators but a reevaluation of police practices and accountability.