Thursday, January 10, 2019

Issues Of Concern In Law Enforcement And Race Relations

By John Thompson


The debate about racial relations is as old as human civilization. The relationships take different trajectory in religion, commerce, sports and entertainment, among other fields. However, there is increased focus on Law Enforcement and Race Relations because of police shootings and immigration issues. What are the areas of concern regarding polices and different races in the US?

Racial disparity features prominently every time an altercation happens between police and civilians with a racial angle. It is impossible to deny that there is disparity in wealth between Blacks and Whites or even Latinos. Their neighborhoods also display this disparity such that Blacks and Latinos are known to live in low income neighborhoods. Whether these disparities are a justification for continued conflicts or not is the difficult question to answer.

Racially biased behavior is a form of prejudice. There is the likelihood of concluding that a certain race is violent, drug prone and such social ills. This leaves police to stop and frisk a Latino in search of his identify documents compared to a white man. Blacks, for instance may be associated with drugs. This may be a conscious or unconscious step that the people are taking.

Racial animus has been highlighted as a common weakness causing a relationship strain. Policemen and law enforcers may have personal dislike for a particular race. This will not be displayed openly. However, the behavior and response when dealing with a suspect or even during routine engagements displays this dislike. The treatment is as if the officer is waiting for a report to confirm his suspicion. If two suspects are stopped for the same crime, one is presumed guilty while the other is regarded as innocent.

There is statistical discrimination in the form of racial prediction. This is a subconscious conclusion that a particular race is associated with a certain crime. As a result, an officer will stop more blacks or Latinos than Whites. If a black and a white driver are on the road, the black will be stopped more times than a white. The issues raised when drivers are pulled over are also statistically skewed.

Situational risks are associated with racial animus or racial biases. For instance, once you are flagged down, there will be nothing suspicious about looking for your Drivers License below your seat or unbuckling your belt. However, a black is mistaken for drawing a gun and ends up being shot. This indicates a policeman who has already made a conclusion. Such conclusions are racially biased.

Some of the actions taken by law enforcement officers are out of reflect. However, the challenge is what causes such a biased reflex that has the potential of ending the life of a promising officer? Police departments have taken a lot of steps towards leveling the ground for all races. However, a lot remains to be done.

Increased awareness is required among law enforcers and the general public to reduce altercations. It is necessary to reflect backwards whenever a nasty incident occurs. When the details of the incident are discussed in communities and among police, future conflicts are prevented. Individuals and communities also have a responsibility to reduce possibility of conflicts.




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