Policing is an expansive topic that requires an explicit definition since it can be preformed by various groups, individuals, and organizations to different extents. Therefore, when discussing problems associated with policing, it is necessary to identify the source(s) of the problems and the degree to which the source contributes to the problem. It is evident to me that the community, policing institutions (NYPD), and the government have equal parts of responsibility in the problem by either committing policing errors or allowing errors to go without punishment.
The most recent and public abuse of power via excessive force was the case concerning the death of Eric Garner. Mr. Garner’s death was caught on camera by nearby witness who taped the arresting officer using an illegal chokehold to take down the victim. Mr. Garner’s death sparked a debate about if body cameras should be worn by police officers as reflected in The Atlantic article we read for class. What I found particularly infuriating was the section discussing the (excessive) costs of the cameras and the process to equip the police. Personally, I find these cost discussions to be absurd and frankly selective considering our government’s track record for wasteful spending. For example, many small towns in middle America are now equipped with armored tanks that will most likely never be used, unlike the body cameras that will be used 24/7[1]. These discussions of cost reveal how much the government truly cares for the basic rights and securities of its own citizens versus protecting itself incase of a riot. It is truly laughable.
This blatant refusal to take all necessary measures to protect “the people” is particularly felt by minorities and lower income communities creating severe mistrust between these communities and the police. Selective enforcement and police presence (ex. Broken Windows Policy [2]) additionally encourages more tension and sometimes violence against those policing. The NYPD must publically recognize its persisting history of discriminatory practices if it truly desires to work with communities to serve and protect. Without this admission and commitment to change, there is unfortunately almost no chance of collaboration and peace.
The previous two discussions concern errors related to policy and budgeting, but what about errors on the ground –the officers actually using excessive force and discriminatory practices? How can we feasibly change mindsets and values? I think this is the most difficult question when it comes to policing and discrimination. Most solutions involve retraining, but in reality, what can a couple of hours or day of workshops due to fix fundamentally abusive or racist thoughts? The horrors many inmates face at the hands of corrections officers in prisons like Riker’s Island is frightening[3]. Is worth retraining officers who will beat other humans? My answer is no. These officers should be stripped of their titles and punished. We need to police the police. Here lies our biggest problem. What systems of accountability do we have for those who are supposed to be enforcing the law?
[1] http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2014/04/29/reader-submissions-from-small-towns-that-are-militarizing-their-police-forces/
[2] http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2014/12/edward_banfield_the_racist_classist_origins_of_broken_windows_policing.html
[3] http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/10/06/law-3
I agree with many of the points you made, especially the fact that “we need to police the police.” However, it is a bit ridiculous that such tight surveillance of our armed forces is necessary, such as equipping cameras on police. Some police do abuse their power and partake in police brutality; however, a lot don’t and equipping every single police officer on duty with cameras to record their shifts would be a waste of money. As for racial profiling, there is little that can be done. As you said, there is little that can be done to change people’s mindsets and values. Racial profiling has been such a historical and persistent issue; there is little that can be done to resolve the issue other than continuous education of police officers on equality, however, that may not even be enough. It’s clear that there is a need for reform in our policing system, but I believe that we should be focusing on the force as whole rather than just specific “bad” officers. Change will come if we target certain problems such as insufficient training and unjust leniency, rather than causing unnecessary tensions as we’ve seen between the NYPD and Mayor de Blasio.
I agree with Caroline, It is ridiculous to impose tight surveillance on the police force. As mentioned, not every police officer is guilty of abusing their power. Equipping every officer with a body camera, just to catch the actions of a few, is just as wasteful a way to spend our tax dollars as the armored tanks you mentioned being placed in small towns. The job is tremendous when you take into account the manpower it will take to sift through the various tapes. I also think the argument about body cameras goes deeper than its hefty price tag. You need to consider the huge invasion of privacy of such an undertaking. People in the neighborhood may be wary about coming forward about various issues in fear of it being on tape. This may create a “big brother” feel in the community, which is just as dangerous. The police too may not act with the discretion allowed to them in fear of getting into trouble. As discussed in class, the discretion we afford the police is what allows them to do their job. By taking away this freedom, we may be doing more harm than good.