Week 1 Discussion 1 History: Please Respond To The Following

Week 1 Discussion 1history Please Respond To The Following From T

Discuss how major conflicts and police brutality contributed to the reform era of policing, providing an example from the timeline. Identify two fundamental problems associated with the political era of policing and explain how these issues led to the transition into the community era, including a rationale for your response.

Paper For Above instruction

The history of policing in the United States has been marked by significant conflicts and societal issues that have driven reform and reshaped law enforcement practices over time. Major conflicts such as racial tensions, police brutality, and public protests have played critical roles in catalyzing reforms aimed at making policing more equitable, accountable, and community-oriented. One notable example from the timeline that illustrates this progression is the aftermath of the 1960s civil rights movement, particularly the 1967 Kerner Commission report, which highlighted the pervasive violence, racial discrimination, and systemic inequalities in policing practices. The report called for substantial reforms to address racial bias, reduce police brutality, and improve community-police relations, leading to initiatives aimed at desegregating police departments and establishing civilian oversight mechanisms.

During the political era of policing (roughly 1840s–1930s), two fundamental problems were prominent. First, policing was heavily influenced by political favoritism and corruption. Police departments often served the interests of local political machines, which led to patronage-based appointments, favoritism, and unethical practices that undermined public trust. Second, the lack of professional standards and accountability resulted in inconsistent law enforcement, with officers sometimes neglecting duties or engaging in misconduct with little consequence. These issues fostered a climate of skepticism and mistrust among the communities, especially marginalized groups.

The shift from the political era to the community era (1930s–1970s) was driven by the recognition that policing needed reform to enhance public trust and effectiveness. The problems of political interference and corruption prompted the development of professional police organizations emphasizing formal training, standardized procedures, and accountability. The community era focused on community policing strategies that prioritized building relationships between officers and the neighborhoods they served. This approach aimed to address community concerns directly, promote transparency, and reduce the influence of political patronage. The drive for professionalism and community engagement was grounded in the rationale that effective policing depends on mutual trust and cooperation between police and the public.

Reply to Jamani Davis

Greetings Jamani,

Your insights into the racial conflicts during the 1830s–1870s are very pertinent, especially regarding racial profiling and its long-standing impact. The Trayvon Martin case is indeed a tragic example of how racial profiling can escalate into deadly outcomes, fueling ongoing debates about police bias and systemic racism in law enforcement. Additionally, your account of the incident where a police officer pulled over a woman from another country highlights issues of profiling based on appearance and perceived socioeconomic status. Such incidents reflect challenges within the community era—a need for police to balance crime prevention with respecting individual rights and community trust. Addressing these issues requires ongoing reform efforts, better training, and stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent racial bias and misconduct in policing practices.

References

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• Committee on Policing Equity. (2017). Policing racial profiling. The National Academies Press.
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