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.
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 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.
The element of statistical discrimination has captured the attention of analysts and points at an existing problem. Statistics indicate that police frisk and flag down people for particular crimes based on their race. For instance, a Latino will be questioned over his identity more than a White. A Black will face more questions on crimes and violence more than any other race. Such skewed statistics are not supported by convictions. It means that they are driven by police bias.
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.
Law enforcement officers have also be blamed for reflex actions that are biased. Reflex is considered a self-defense mechanism but it must not be misused. The action a policeman takes when he sees a Black Man should be similar to when a Latino or White is the subject. The perpetual treatment of certain races with suspicion is the point of concern.
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 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.
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 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.
The element of statistical discrimination has captured the attention of analysts and points at an existing problem. Statistics indicate that police frisk and flag down people for particular crimes based on their race. For instance, a Latino will be questioned over his identity more than a White. A Black will face more questions on crimes and violence more than any other race. Such skewed statistics are not supported by convictions. It means that they are driven by police bias.
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.
Law enforcement officers have also be blamed for reflex actions that are biased. Reflex is considered a self-defense mechanism but it must not be misused. The action a policeman takes when he sees a Black Man should be similar to when a Latino or White is the subject. The perpetual treatment of certain races with suspicion is the point of concern.
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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