Today parts of our country seem ready to come apart along
racial and social seams. The causes and
solutions of the larger program are beyond my scope of understanding and
problem solving. Racial issues, while
not what they once were in this country, linger. Racial tension has morphed into an
institutional problem that is difficult to trace to any one source, making any
one solution unlikely. Answers can’t be
found in political ideologies. Both
parties have tried to fix the problem.
Both have failed. Both parties
have those who sincerely want to create the conditions for a positive
change. Both parties have those who will
use race as a stepping stone to greater power and influence. Ideological fixes have exacerbated or mutated
the problem into something more complex.
One key societal interaction continues to impact communities
at large, often leading to violence and calls for more violence. The intersection of members of the black
community and law enforcement, specifically in areas with poor economic
performance and a large number of minorities. Such areas are potential tinderboxes. In places were the interactions, perceived or
real, are bad enough, any tragedy can lead to greater tragedy.
While I don’t think we have the knowledge, wisdom, or
capacity to address the root causes of the overall crisis, I do think we can
alleviate some serious symptoms. Perhaps
by taking some first steps in addressing this symptom, we can develop the
ability to see more clearly, understand more clearly and make other meaningful
changes aimed at the root causes.
Two key elements are at the center of troubled relationships
between law enforcement and the affected black community and individuals—trust
and communication. Without one it’s very
difficult to have the other. At some
point both sides, all sides, involved in the relationship need to agree to
begin doing one or the other—trusting or communicating. It would be best if they could do both at the
same time, but baby steps may be required.
I propose the following steps be taken by law enforcement
and municipal leaders and respected leaders in the black community in cities
where there is a recognizable problem.
First, there should be a sit down meeting of law
enforcement/municipal leaders and a variety of leaders from the black community. Each person in attendance should express
their goals for the community and their perception of the problems in terms of
racial interaction with law enforcement.
This session should be a listening session that is moderated by a
third-party. I believe that they would
find some common ground in terms of desires for a safe and more prosperous
community. I also believe that, if the
various parties listen, some understanding of other perspectives will begin to
have an impact. The very act of being
able to speak clearly to the other side can be beneficial. I suggest that the conversations take place
privately, behind closed doors without the media present. A report of this initial conversation can be
released to the public after it takes place.
This may not be viable, but it may help reduce the likelihood of
participants grandstanding to score political or public relations points with
their constituencies.
Second, all parties should agree to an in depth look at the
situation. A third-party should be hired
to do the following:
-
Conduct community polling among all ethnicities
regarding the perception of law enforcement-community relations and the role of
race in those interactions.
-
Conduct a polling of all law enforcement
officers in the agency and their perception of community relations and the role
of race in those relations.
-
Conduct a review of conviction rates and
sentencing statistics broken down by crime and race.
-
Conduct a review of the law enforcement agency’s
policies and history of race-based complaints.
The goal would be to present findings that show which complaints are
founded and which is not.
-
Conduct a review of public statements made by
law enforcement/municipal leaders and black community leaders. The goal would be to identify statements that
were helpful and which were needlessly inflammatory or harmful.
Third, all parties will attend another meeting where the
results of the third-party review are discussed. This meeting once again will focus on
listening. Attendees should be open so
that they can develop a more clear, unbiased picture of reality and the steps
that will be necessary to find common ground and to begin a serious
dialogue. Not everyone will agree with
all of the findings. That is not
necessary to begin the dialogue. The
goal is to identify gaps in perception relative to a more objective look at the
big picture.
Fourth, a series of interactive meetings will take
place. The parties will discuss each of
the major findings. Attendees initially
will focus their remarks on what they can do to improve the situation relative
to the findings. As each attendee offers
up ways they and their constituents can improve the situation desires and
perceptions will move toward common ground.
Productive dialogue has the potential to allow for concessions on issues
that are meaningful but not restricted by principled beliefs or values. Law and order can be maintained while
recognizing and protecting the rights and concerns of the black community. This concept is central to the dialogue. Law enforcement and municipal leaders must
not be asked to sacrifice law and order in exchange for anarchy. The black community can demand and receive
fair and transparent treatment.
Fifth, a robust community-policing program must be put into
action. The program must be developed by
and specifically for the members of the community and the law enforcement
agency. Among many possibilities, a
community-policing program should consist of at least some of the following:
-
Law enforcement and municipal leaders should
attend community events and arrange for moments of meaningful dialogue. Community and cultural understanding must be
deepened. They must come to understand
the challenges facing community members and the impact they might have on law,
order and potential interactions.
-
Community leaders and members should participate
in appropriate law enforcement activities to understand the perspective of law
enforcement. They should go on
ride-a-longs. They should participate in
various training events to include use of force training.
-
A board of review should be put in place with
members from law enforcement and the community.
The board will review community complaints and questionable issues of
use of force. Recommendations and
findings by the board should demand serious consideration. The reasoning for actions and decisions of
law enforcement agencies should be explained clearly to the board and open for
discussion
What can we hope to gain by all of this? Trust through dialogue and transparency. Law enforcement leaders need to be able to
trust that when a community leader comes to them with a concern or a complaint,
that it is something credible. Community
leaders need to know that they will receive the information that the
information they receive from law enforcement leaders is timely and credible
while accepting the fact that at times legal concerns may delay the release of
that information. With this type of
trust, law enforcement agencies and community members will begin to work from
the foundation of shared goals and understanding. The lives and rights of community members and
those of law enforcement officers will be placed on equal ground by all of
those involved. Police officers will
monitor themselves to make sure they are behaving properly. Community members will monitor themselves to
make sure that their members are behaving properly. Both sides will address actions and reactions
to poor and improper behavior civilly and legally. The law will be enforced and crime punished
more fairly. Communities will be safer
for everyone.
To reiterate, these steps will address a symptom only. They do not have the power to heal some
deeper issues. They do, however, offer a
start, a place of beginning.
