The American jurisdiction requires that the law enforcement officers should make not only sound but also sane judgment when it comes to the protection of its citizens. In the present American society, it has become a common thing to witness numerous instances of police officers using extreme force in unwanted circumstances. Even more disturbing is the variation in treatment of black and white folks in the current American society. Because of this unfair treatment, many non-white members of the American society view police officers as a symbol of oppression and white supremacy in the United States. This inappropriate relationship between the American police and the civil societies has enhanced a feeling of distrust to the police service especially from the people of color. All this is attributed towards the camaraderie of occurrences of police brutality towards people of color in the today’s American society (Helen, 57).
It is apparent that the American federal jurisdiction provides police officers with the right to use reasonable force on any criminal suspect. However, this should only be done under extreme and concrete situations while following specified guidelines provided in the police code of conduct. An in-depth analysis of this matter of concern indicates that in many circumstances of officer’s use of unnecessary force, the particular factor leading to the aggression between the minority communities and the police officers was the race. A person of color’s discernment towards law enforcement is likely to be very divergent from other individuals, particularly if they are from the opposing racial divides (Shailendra, 22).
In conclusion, quite a number of the members of the society especially people of color still view police officers as courageous women and men who jeopardize their lives to enhance the community’s welfare. After all, that is what their duty calls for and title entails. However, many individuals, especially from the racial minority groups, still feel that they are possible targets of ethnic profiling. As for this reason, a lot still needs to be done by the American government to enhance cohesion between all the social groups and the police service.
Works Cited
Bernards, Neal, and JoAnne Buggey. Police Brutality: Recognizing Stereotypes. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven, 2014. Print.
Cothran, Helen. Police Brutality: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven, 2011. Print.
Misra, Shailendra. Police Brutality: An Analysis of Police Behaviour. New York: Vikas Pub. House, 2015. Print.
