Realistic-Based Solutions: A New Approach to Police Reform
Throughout the years, there have been ongoing discussions about police reform in the United States. However, the true meaning and purpose behind these discussions have become increasingly unclear. With political agendas often guiding the conversations, realistic solutions to address police reform are frequently overlooked. In this article, I aim to present a more practical approach, considering perspectives from all sides of the conversation.
To lay the groundwork, let’s replace the term “police reform” with “law enforcement restructuring.” I propose this change because, for a more positive relationship between law enforcement and the community, we must take into account a range of factors. While incidents involving the police often focus on individual officer behavior and actions, we also need to focus on operational changes that could contribute to improved conduct. It’s important to acknowledge the issue of individuals unfit for law enforcement roles. Throughout this article, I will use the term “law enforcement restructuring” instead of “police reform.”
When considering policing, it’s important to take into account the sheer volume of calls that law enforcement officers receive and the vast areas they are required to cover in order to protect the communities they serve. It’s crucial to also consider factors such as staffing levels, the duration of time officers spend on each call, and the severity of the situations they encounter.
Additionally, it’s essential to acknowledge that law enforcement officers dedicate a significant portion of their day to mediating verbal and physical conflicts, as well as dealing with aggressive individuals. Furthermore, they often face situations where members of the public have unrealistic expectations regarding what officers can accomplish or the extent of their authority in specific scenarios.
For instance, let’s consider a scenario where Jamie lends Mary $1500 for a down payment on a car, but after 6 months, Mary still hasn’t repaid the loan. Jamie confronts Mary at her home and, when Mary refuses to give her any money, she decides to involve the police. When the officers arrive, Jamie requests that they compel Mary to come outside and repay the money she owes. After speaking with both parties, the officers ascertain that this is a civil matter and not a criminal one. Mary expresses her desire for Jamie to leave her property, and the officers inform Jamie that while she must leave the property, she can pursue legal action through the court system to recover the money owed to her.
This example serves as a prime illustration of the misunderstanding some individuals may have regarding the authority of police officers and their roles within the community.
Due to the high volume of calls that officers receive while serving the community, it’s important to consider the toll it takes on their well-being. Emotional contagion, where the energy of others affects us, is a common experience. Even the most dedicated of us can become socially frustrated with the people around us, whether in the workplace or our close circles, leading us to need a break to regroup. Have you ever pondered the intricate planning and coordination required for police work? It’s remarkable to think about the extensive logistics and strategic efforts needed to serve entire cities and assist other areas during emergencies. Unlike psychologists who can take their time to meet with patients and gather information over several sessions, police officers often have to quickly assess complex situations and make crucial decisions. It’s essential to understand the demanding reality that police officers face every day.
In many instances, police officers are called to address minor situations that do not fall under the traditional duties of policing. For example, responding to a 911 call reporting missing trash can lids. This raises the question of whether such situations truly necessitate police intervention. As part of potential police restructuring efforts, one solution could involve creating a new law enforcement position, such as an Investigative Resource Officer. This restructuring could involve differentiating calls for patrol officers and Investigative Resource Officers to better allocate resources and address non-emergency situations effectively. The new position would handle non-emergency calls for assistance, traffic accidents, and traffic details. They would have the same authority as patrol officers and access to similar vehicles with blue lights. Agencies would decide whether they should be equipped with lethal or less-lethal gear. The aim of creating Investigative Resource Officers is to reduce the workload of officers responding to more serious crimes.
These officers should undergo extensive training, including local court systems, de-escalation techniques, and knowledge of state and county ordinances, as well as constitutional laws. By training them in these areas and the specific local and state laws of their jurisdiction, they would be better equipped to serve the community. It’s concerning to see law enforcement officers lacking the necessary knowledge of the laws they are sworn to uphold.
We must urgently address the issue of officers who dishonor the uniform by poorly representing the law enforcement field. The pivotal role of police officers in the communities they serve means that the power they wield if misused, can have devastating consequences for individuals. It is imperative for officers to exercise restraint over their egos. Striving to enforce rules and regulations can often lead to negative interactions and behaviors. Consequently, officers who misuse their authority must be prohibited from continuing in law enforcement within any agency or state. A critical issue we face is the ability for dismissed officers to simply move to another agency. It is essential for all agencies to embrace the Duty to Intervene law, following the proactive example set by law enforcement agencies in Utah.
In conclusion, it is paramount that we prioritize the mental health and wellness of our law enforcement officers in all aspects of operational changes and restructuring. We must refrain from penalizing officers who wholeheartedly serve the community. It is imperative to initiate discussions on providing officers with the necessary downtime following encounters with high-stress situations. Additionally, we should explore methods to monitor officers’ engagement with the community and establish a scale to ensure they receive essential mental respite. Let’s remember that these discussions are intended to offer support to officers on the job and at home, and not to create records for disciplinary actions. Ultimately, it is essential for us to collaborate towards the shared goal of maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods and cities. These ideas warrant open discussion. What are your thoughts on this?