Chapter 5 The Public and the Police: A Consortium of Communities Focus communities outside the police organization external communities within the police organization internal Successful police-community relations must take into account exchange relationships among groups located both inside and outside the police organization. 2 Many of the communities, both external and internal, which exert influence upon and are influenced by the police. Understanding the complex interactions among the many communities that comprise the public and the police will enable a better grasp of the difficult challenges involved in establishing and maintaining true police-community relations. 3 INTRODUCTION 1
The External Communities Ethnic/Racial Minorities There are many ethnic minorities within the United States. Ethnic concerns focus primarily on racial rather than national, cultural, or religious memberships. The numbers and the extent to which ethnic minorities differ from white majority affect how these minorities are treated within society. 4 Discrimination against minority groups is often perpetuated by other minority groups. Regardless of the minority group in question, the primary issues that are faced by police are the same. First, police must provide services to all communities in a fair and equitable manner. They must convince each community that they are actually doing so. 5 Women The treatment of women has differed historically from the treatment of minority groups. Male police are becoming highly sensitized to issues that affect females as clients and as colleagues. 6 INTRODUCTION 2
Gays and Lesbians Homosexuals have long experienced discrimination from police officers. Confrontations with gay-rights protesters have further heightened tensions between police communities. This issue is being addressed through training and regulations that promote equitable treatment for gay citizens. 7 Youth This group comes into conflict with police at a higher rate than do middle-aged or older people. As young people mature from childhood to adolescence, their potential for conflict increases. Young adults become more conforming as they mature and find their place within society. 8 The Elderly As the number of elderly increase, they are all too frequently becoming the victims of serious crimes. The living conditions and their relative susceptibility to crime have caused many to find that their golden years are filled with terror. 9 INTRODUCTION 3
The Poor Members of the lower class often view police in a different light. Rather than seeing police officers as protectors of their rights and property, the poor tend to see police as the protectors of others rights and property. There will always be a sizable lower class and members of this class will be overrepresented within the criminal community. We can reduce the amount of conflict by developing procedures and regulations that ensure that lowerclass citizens receive fair and equitable treatment and services from the police. 10 The Media The police are interested in serving the public and protecting their reputations. The police are obligated at times to withhold information that they feel would be detrimental to the public good. The media are obligated to release information that they feel the public has a right to know. Because of conflicting views on what is best for the public and because of self-serving motives, the media and the police are often adversaries. The relations between the media and the police personnel should be based upon openness, honesty, and accessibility. Anything less will only exacerbate an already difficult relationship. 11 Religious Organizations The relationship between the police and religious organizations is amicable. The traditional religions are supportive of police efforts to provide law and order for their communities. As with ethnic minorities, fair and equitable treatment is the key to building and/or maintaining positive relations. 12 INTRODUCTION 4
Civic Organizations These organizations are less likely to come into conflict with law enforcement. Police officers should be careful to ensure that their membership in these organizations does not affect any dealings they may have with them. 13 Public Service Organizations These agencies are nonprofit associations directed toward accomplishing community goals. Police officers need to identify and establish communications with these organizations to enhance their ability to serve the public. 14 Political Organizations To get politics out of the police and the police out of politics has been a goal of reformers for more than a century. The simple truth is that politics can t be eliminated from policing or any government agency. 15 INTRODUCTION 5
Labor Unions Historically, the relationship between police organizations and labor unions has been one of hostility and mistrust. Police are prohibited by state and federal law from violating the rights of striking workers. Police are still responsible for the property and safety of industrial management. 16 Economic/Business Organizations Business leaders feel that they are above the law. Many expect special treatment when they need the police. Neutrality of the police organization in enforcing laws must be stressed. 17 Community Interest Organizations These organizations may exist for a variety of reasons: Ensure that individual rights are protected; Guard against governmental waste; Protect citizens from hazardous conditions; Attract attention to a particular issue; or Just to satisfy individual egos. 18 INTRODUCTION 6
Clients Interrelationship between the police community and the external communities are vitally important. Most individuals hold memberships within several communities at the same time. Many citizens may never have direct contact with police officials. One rude officer can undermine the efforts of many. 19 Government Agencies Police must interact with representatives of government agencies: Elected officials Emergency organizations Regulatory agencies Legislative bodies 20 Internal Communities Minorities Minority representatives, regardless of race or ethnicity, were treated as tokens by both the police and public. Although there has been substantial progress in racial and ethnic representation within law enforcement, it has not been easy or without pain. Resentments have occurred within the police ranks. 21 INTRODUCTION 7
Gender Female representation in law enforcement has progressed at a slower rate than has that of ethnic minorities. Women have long proven that they can perform well in all areas of law enforcement. Women have experienced discrimination, resentment, and allegations of preferential treatment. 22 Sexual Preference Gay police officers were required to keep their sexual preference secret, not only to avoid ostracism, but to avoid prosecution for violating laws against homosexuality. Laws regulating sexual relations between consenting adults have become more permissive. Attitudes towards gays and lesbians in general and in law enforcement have softened only slightly. 23 Police Unions Employee organizations have a variety of names. Their mission is to protect and promote the interests of their constituents. 24 INTRODUCTION 8