Whenever I hear someone say that a certain suspect got what he "deserved" because he ran, I have to remind them that cops are not in the business of giving out what someone deserves.
Cops are not judges. I don't care if someone runs, I don't care, I don't care.
Whether it's the guy with a criminal record who is fleeing on foot, or the 18 year old college student who "flees" ten feet, police need to stop being unreasonably violent with suspects who are not a threat.
Just stop excusing it.
Demand drug testing for performance enhancers and other pharmaceuticals. If a police officer is involved in a violent altercation, test that officer for those types of substances.