Ethnicity And The Police - University Of Phoenix

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Develop a 700- to 1050-word newspaper article, speech, or podcast based on the topic of ethnicity and policing, incorporating your opinion, a contemporary example, and supporting references. Include at least three references from peer-reviewed journals, trade publications, or reputable online sources, formatted in APA style. Use credible visuals if applicable. Your work must reflect critical engagement with the topic and support your stance with evidence.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between ethnicity and policing in the United States is complex and deeply rooted in the country’s historical, social, and political development. Understanding this relationship necessitates examining the evolution of policing from its inception to current practices, especially how race and ethnicity have influenced law enforcement behaviors and policies. This paper explores the impact of ethnicity on police practices, highlighting contemporary examples and supporting arguments with scholarly sources.

Historically, policing in America was intertwined with political power and social control, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the 1840s to the early 1900s, police departments were often controlled by local political leaders, leading to corruption, favoritism, and discriminatory practices against ethnic minorities. These units served political agendas rather than community needs, resulting in systemic bias. Discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities, especially African Americans, was commonplace, with police often acting in ways that perpetuated social inequalities (Kelling & Moore, 1989). During this period, police interactions with minority communities were characterized by racial profiling and biased enforcement, primarily driven by stereotypes and racial prejudice.

The mid-20th century marked significant shifts in policing strategies and their effects on different ethnic groups. The 1920s to the 1970s saw the rise of professional policing, which aimed to depoliticize police forces and organize law enforcement around criminal law and bureaucratic standards. However, during this era, racial and ethnic disparities persisted. African Americans and other marginalized groups faced heightened scrutiny and racial profiling, which solidified mistrust and tension. A notable example is the practice called “driving while Black,” wherein African Americans were disproportionately stopped and searched based solely on racial profiling (Harris, 2002). This persistent bias resulted in fractured relationships between ethnic communities and law enforcement agencies.

In recent decades, police practices have evolved with a focus on community policing and problem-oriented policing. The community problem-solving era emphasizes partnership with local communities, engaging residents as active participants in crime prevention and social problem resolution. Despite these efforts, issues related to ethnicity persist. Racial profiling and discriminatory practices continue to be scrutinized globally, with law enforcement agencies frequently criticized for their disproportionate targeting of minority populations (Williams & Murphy, 2000).

One contemporary example highlighting ongoing issues is the deadly police encounters with unarmed African Americans, such as the cases of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020. These incidents sparked global protests and renewed debates over racial bias within policing systems. Studies reveal that African Americans are more likely to experience use-of-force incidents and stop-and-search encounters, reinforcing perceptions of racial discrimination and unequal treatment (Fryer, 2016). Such events underscore the necessity of addressing systemic bias and implementing reforms aimed at ensuring equitable policing practices.

Racial profiling remains a contentious issue, with many law enforcement agencies defending its use under the guise of crime prevention. However, extensive research indicates that racial profiling is ineffective and violates civil rights. It fosters mistrust and hampers community engagement, which are essential for effective policing. Critics argue that a focus on behavioral and situational factors, rather than race or ethnicity, would lead to more equitable and successful law enforcement strategies (Pierce & Rojek, 2012).

The influence of ethnicity on police behavior is also affected by broader societal factors, including socioeconomic status, cultural attitudes, and political climates. Minority communities often face social marginalization, which translates into strained police relations. This dynamic underscores the need for police reform, cultural competency training, and strengthened accountability measures to promote trust and fairness in law enforcement (George & Howard, 2017).

In conclusion, ethnicity significantly influences policing practices and relationships in the United States. The historical legacy of discrimination and bias persists today in various forms, from racial profiling to disparities in use of force. Contemporary incidents continue to highlight these issues and demonstrate the urgent need for reforms that promote fairness and community trust. Moving forward, law enforcement agencies must prioritize equity, transparency, and community engagement to bridge the gap between ethnic communities and police, ultimately fostering a more just and effective criminal justice system.

References

  • Fryer, R. G. (2016). An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences in Police Use of Force. Journal of Political Economy, 124(3), 805-852.
  • George, L., & Howard, D. (2017). Police and Community Relations: Analyzing the Impact of Cultural Competency. Criminal Justice Review, 42(2), 198-214.
  • Harris, D. (1999). Driving While Black: The Privilege and Peril of Police Stop-and-Search. American Civil Liberties Union.
  • Harris, D. (2002). Profiles in Justice: The Impact of Racial Profiling. The New York Times.
  • Kelling, L., & Moore, H. (1989). The Evolving Strategy of Policing. Purdue University Press.
  • Pierce, C., & Rojek, J. (2012). Racial Profiling and Its Effectiveness: An Evidence-Based Review. Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(1), 23-31.
  • Williams, S., & Murphy, K. (2000). Policing and Race Relations: A Review of Contemporary Issues. Journal of Social Criminology, 17(4), 313-330.

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