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 has also been blamed for strained relation between police and different races. Police have displayed a foregone conclusion that Latinos are drug peddlers while blacks are likely to be involved in crime. It means that when a police officer is making a response, he has a preset mind. He expects the Latino to lack identification papers and the Black to be guilty of a crime. Such biases lead to unnecessary confrontation.
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.
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.
There are situational risks that all races and policemen are supposed to be aware of. In certain situations, police act out of a conclusion that is not necessarily justified. An example is where a Black goes to unbuckle his seat belt or collect the Drivers License besides the seat and is mistaken to be drawing a gun. Even sitting while waiting in certain places attracts suspicion. It means that people have condemned the races while it is not necessarily true.
There are reflex actions by law enforcement officers that have been questioned. While it is normal to react in self-defense, there appears to be bias regarding the subjects of such reflex. Is there a possibility of everyone being treated with similar level of suspicion? This is the question that many people are unable to answer.
There is need for more awareness of the areas where biases manifest. When people are aware, there is likelihood of reducing altercations. Communities and police departments are also encouraged to discuss incidences whenever they happen with the aim of finding the areas of bias and a subsequent solution.
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 has also been blamed for strained relation between police and different races. Police have displayed a foregone conclusion that Latinos are drug peddlers while blacks are likely to be involved in crime. It means that when a police officer is making a response, he has a preset mind. He expects the Latino to lack identification papers and the Black to be guilty of a crime. Such biases lead to unnecessary confrontation.
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.
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.
There are situational risks that all races and policemen are supposed to be aware of. In certain situations, police act out of a conclusion that is not necessarily justified. An example is where a Black goes to unbuckle his seat belt or collect the Drivers License besides the seat and is mistaken to be drawing a gun. Even sitting while waiting in certain places attracts suspicion. It means that people have condemned the races while it is not necessarily true.
There are reflex actions by law enforcement officers that have been questioned. While it is normal to react in self-defense, there appears to be bias regarding the subjects of such reflex. Is there a possibility of everyone being treated with similar level of suspicion? This is the question that many people are unable to answer.
There is need for more awareness of the areas where biases manifest. When people are aware, there is likelihood of reducing altercations. Communities and police departments are also encouraged to discuss incidences whenever they happen with the aim of finding the areas of bias and a subsequent solution.
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