Race relations has remained a thorny issue with endless debate for years. Conflicts have manifested in different areas including family unions, sports, business, religion and entertainment, among others. The most prominent and emotive manifestation is law enforcement and race relations. This has been brought about by underlying issues that will only come up for discussion once an incident happens.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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