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 is a common issue that arises when relationships with police departments are concerned. Disparities are a reality because one can argue that more white people are wealthier than blacks or Latinos. If they live in poor neighborhoods, it is obvious that such areas have high crime rates and therefore more arrests will be made? Such a conclusion can only be made in comparison to similar populations and where there is relative police response.
Strained relationship between police and people has also been blamed on racially biased behaviors. For instance, police may consider Latinos as predominantly drug peddlers and persons with no immigration documents. Blacks may also be labeled as criminals. Responding to an incident with this mindset or manning a road with the notion means that there will be no objectivity. It is such actions by police that have escalated situations unnecessarily.
Racial animus is a matter of attitude. A policeman may naturally or from past experiences dislike blacks or Latinos. As a result, this policeman will stop more Latinos or Blacks than any other race. Even when dealing with a white man displaying similar behaviors, there is likelihood that the negative behaviors will be ignored for one person and not the other. This is almost similar to racial prejudice.
Racial prediction can also be regarded as statistical discrimination. It is bothersome to individuals and might not even be done consciously by officers involved. For instance, an officer will find out that he stops more Blacks than Whites or any other race. When two vehicles are traveling on the road, the vehicle for a Black driver will be stopped more times than that of a white. There is nothing to justify that apart from hidden statistical discrimination.
Situational risk factors can be attributed to hidden racial bias or racial animus in officers. The simple act of trying to unbuckle your seat belt in order to respond to police instruction may be construed to mean that you are taking out your gun. It means that the officer had already made a conclusion even before you have been proven. These are manifestations of inner biases.
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.
Awareness is regarded as one of the strongest tools for fighting negative race relations in law enforcement circles. Whenever an incident occurs, each department and community should debate the details. The police must be willing to take responsibility. The community should also make it easy for police to operate without unnecessary biases.
Racial disparity is a common issue that arises when relationships with police departments are concerned. Disparities are a reality because one can argue that more white people are wealthier than blacks or Latinos. If they live in poor neighborhoods, it is obvious that such areas have high crime rates and therefore more arrests will be made? Such a conclusion can only be made in comparison to similar populations and where there is relative police response.
Strained relationship between police and people has also been blamed on racially biased behaviors. For instance, police may consider Latinos as predominantly drug peddlers and persons with no immigration documents. Blacks may also be labeled as criminals. Responding to an incident with this mindset or manning a road with the notion means that there will be no objectivity. It is such actions by police that have escalated situations unnecessarily.
Racial animus is a matter of attitude. A policeman may naturally or from past experiences dislike blacks or Latinos. As a result, this policeman will stop more Latinos or Blacks than any other race. Even when dealing with a white man displaying similar behaviors, there is likelihood that the negative behaviors will be ignored for one person and not the other. This is almost similar to racial prejudice.
Racial prediction can also be regarded as statistical discrimination. It is bothersome to individuals and might not even be done consciously by officers involved. For instance, an officer will find out that he stops more Blacks than Whites or any other race. When two vehicles are traveling on the road, the vehicle for a Black driver will be stopped more times than that of a white. There is nothing to justify that apart from hidden statistical discrimination.
Situational risk factors can be attributed to hidden racial bias or racial animus in officers. The simple act of trying to unbuckle your seat belt in order to respond to police instruction may be construed to mean that you are taking out your gun. It means that the officer had already made a conclusion even before you have been proven. These are manifestations of inner biases.
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.
Awareness is regarded as one of the strongest tools for fighting negative race relations in law enforcement circles. Whenever an incident occurs, each department and community should debate the details. The police must be willing to take responsibility. The community should also make it easy for police to operate without unnecessary biases.
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