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 and inequality can be seen on different fronts in the US. There are areas that are predominantly Black neighborhoods and considered poor. This almost causes the community to be associated with crimes, drugs and violence. The disparity can be blamed as a disposing factor but it cannot be used as a confirmatory that all Blacks are violent or drug dealers. Police officers should therefore desist from assigning such labels to residents of such areas.
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.
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 and inequality can be seen on different fronts in the US. There are areas that are predominantly Black neighborhoods and considered poor. This almost causes the community to be associated with crimes, drugs and violence. The disparity can be blamed as a disposing factor but it cannot be used as a confirmatory that all Blacks are violent or drug dealers. Police officers should therefore desist from assigning such labels to residents of such areas.
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.
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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