Policing communities of color by officers of similar ethnicity would be a step towards increasing trust and confidence in police that has dramatically decreased over the last decade. Police departments all across America are seeking to increase diversity in their forces. This is due to the increase of killings of unarmed black men by police officers. Diversity in the police force, not only means hiring more non-white officers, but also could include a change in community policing by increasing the number of officers of the same ethnicity in non-white communities. Many advantages could result by providing policing in communities by officers of similar ethnicity: A change in perception of police in the communities would occur. Citizens may feel more comfortable with officers in their communities. Officers would have a better understanding of cultural norms in these communities. The sense of discrimination that already exists would be lessened. And, linguistic challenges faced by officers would be decreased. With these many advantages, and the actual ability to implement this type of policing, this method would be a great idea as it would enhance policing through trust and confidence.
Citizens of ethnic communities would feel more comfortable with officers of the same ethnicity as the officer may better understand them. Officers would have greater familiarity with the community. They would be more sympathetic in social circumstances. They would have more sensitivity to the members of the community and have the ability to provide advice that may not be provided otherwise. Officers of the same ethnicity may better manage difficult situations with citizens of their own race because they understand their background, history and experiences.
Citizens may also have a decreased sense of discrimination with officers in the community with the same ethnicity. A reduction in suspicion of police officers by the public in these communities may result. These officers may also have a better ability to differentiate between suspicious and not suspicious behavior due to cultural norms. An elimination of the us versus them mentality would likely occur. They may also tend to moralize the class struggle. Overall, police representing the community results in strong community relationships.
Finally, resolution of linguistic challenges in immigrant communities would be accomplished with this concept of policing and would be highly beneficial. There is real value in having officers who can move easily in neighborhoods and interview victims in their own language. This alone would build trust and confidence in the police, as well as enhance reputation and status of police in neighborhoods.
Some claim that policing communities of color by officers of similar ethnicity would not be advantageous or create any effect on the legitimacy of the police in the community. They claim that skin color does not prevent officers from acting on biases. Police culture alone is grounded in biases. Officers are socialized in training which effects behavior on the streets. Police officers assimilate into the departments behaviors. Color of officer is irrelevant so long as they continue to perpetrate institutional standards of racial inequality in policing.
Opponents of implementing policing communities of color by officers of similar ethnicity also believe that the problems in the police force will not be resolved. “It is a simplistic surface-level prescription for a deeper systemic issue” . They claim that the method ignores underlying structural issues that afflict police departments throughout America. Opponents also indicate that New Orleans is one of most racially balanced police forces in America, and New Orleans still has racial and ethnic biases. Instead, they insist that a working relationship with citizens must occur, and the police must address community issues. Skin color would not make a difference as problems don’t exist due to white officers in non-white communities. Problems exist because a disconnect occurs between white officers and ethnic communities. Many white officers only have contact with ethnic communities through policing and fighting crime. This is likely a fact, however, an officer of color would be more likely to see a person of the same color as individual, and have the ability to establish trust and confidence. Implementing policing communities of colors by officers of similar ethnicity may not resolve all the problems that exist between law enforcement and race; however, it would be a direct move toward the resolution of such problems.
Implementation of policing communities of color by officers of similar ethnicity is possible and practical. Most law enforcements departments are seeking to increase diversity in their police forces. An all-black special unit was created by police commissioner. The unit consisted of thirty-four black men. These men were assigned to high crime areas in Boston. There was extensive controversy over the program. Many participants and non-participants in the program alleged the unit was discriminatory and unconstitutional. However, the NAACP supported the unit claiming that it would create a working relationship in the African-American community. The officers would get to know the people in the community which would create better relations. The strike force became known as the “Soul Patrol” . Ultimately, the strike force disintegrated as non-black members of the police force began participating. However, while implemented, the program was extremely successful. Even on the first night of its implementation, the officers made dozens of arrests including that of a wanted murderer. One officer who participated in the unit claimed that the success of the program was due to the relationship the men had with the community. Those in the community were more comfortable talking with the officers which gave the officers an edge.
Policing communities of color by officers of similar ethnicity would be a step towards increasing trust and confidence in police. This would be a significant move toward eliminating the issues that exist between race and law enforcement. The advantages are numerous and implementation is not only practical but possible.
REFERENCES
Craven, J. (2015, June 2). Black Cops Aren't Better for Black Communities Because They Have the Same Skin Color. Retrieved from Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/02/community-policing_n_7486576.html
Jacoby, J. (2013, August 25). Does an officer's race matter? Retrieved from The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2013/08/25/police-really-need-look-like-their-community/IjyKwDSKp8kcaw2dRYnNzH/story.html
Maciag, M. (2015, August 28). Where Police Don't Mirror Communities and Why It Matters. Retrieved from Governing: http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-police-department-diversity.html
Manning, A. (2015, May 26). Boston.com. Retrieved from The story of Boston's all-black, short-lived, very successful tactical police unit: https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2013/08/25/police-really-need-look-like-their-community/IjyKwDSKp8kcaw2dRYnNzH/story.html
