It was in January 2016 when the execution of a young black man by a Chicago police officer was exposed that raised the flag. Had it not been for a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the public would probably have never known what happened or better yet, seen the video footage. Is it any wonder why mistrust of the police and law enforcement continues to be an issue in urban and economically-disadvantaged neighborhoods. But, it still took well over a year for this tragedy to be exposed. Perhaps it only scratched the surface of a more deeper issue. But it was more than enough time for Rahm Emanuel to be re-elected to another term as mayor. In a contested and heated reelection campaign did anyone stop to think what would have happened if this expose’ occurred and became a campaign issue?
After all, the police commissioner works at the pleasure of the mayor. Sure, the police commissioner was fired and the police officer involved was charged for his part, however whatever happens if anything to the politician. This is a recurring theme all over the nation in cities such as Ferguson, Baltimore even NYPD and others whereas the elected official has the authority to let an appointed official go who’s become a political liability.
Most of these leaders get a golden parachute and end up recycled and running another ‘low-morale’ department elsewhere. Just ‘Google’ fired police chiefs or commissioners to prove my point.
We fast forward to the recent events in Baton Rouge and Dallas. There is a lot of outrage of what has transpired so various groups have began marching and protesting in front of police departments demanding a change in protocol and training. Local, municipal and state elected leaders have much authority and influence over the style of policing it’s officers impose on the public. Police leadership tend to focus on ensuring their officers are trained to standards in accordance to agency accreditation, but there is another side not often talked about.
Do the marching orders of the force comes from the elected official over the police chief? After all, we all work for somebody right? As an example, in high-end areas of most cities, police are more community-oriented and responsive to the needs of the constituents. But, in poorer areas and those without a voice and most not likely to vote, police are more about enforcement of infractions of laws on the books thereby becoming income generators for the municipality, city or state. Unfortunately when something goes wrong in the economic deserts, violence and looting occurs. Chances are because it’s not their property being destroyed. In reaction of course now the police have to put on their armor and deal with that stress-filled situation. Mind you, this is not always the case. Sure peaceful protests do occur but what more can be done for transparency?
It’s all about the presentation of the data and the communication of crime statistics and deployment of forces. But there are sensible solutions. A growing trend of cities are creating active citizens’ police and public safety oversight groups. These groups need the support of other citizens and the diversity of their voices in the community to be effective. But that’s not enough. Citizens from throughout community have a fiduciary responsibility to actively participate in the process. Not just talk about it, but also be about it. Yes, become a registered voter; participate in local political forums with potential candidates while also actively becoming that citizen who cares for your respective community. Make an investment in the process.
With social media and other mediums of communication the means to keep citizens aware is available. But, when a dancing cat can get more likes on SnapChat, Facebook or Instagram than an upcoming community meeting, then who’s the blame when the politician and police chief fail to live up to expectations of the public? Our ancestors fought for us to have these rights of inclusion, it’s time we honor their legacy.
Biography
Dr. Jeffrey Jones served on active duty Air Force for 20 years. As a Retired Security Specialist, he has served in a variety of command, strategic planning and security management & assessment positions. His experience involved him leading, preparing and coordinating complex force protection, public safety and asset protection programs; domestically and internationally.
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