The movement, which campaigns against police brutality, really gained momentum when another unarmed African American teenager, Michael Brown, was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri. I blogged about that case too and you can read the post here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2014/12/hands-up-dont-shoot.html
Now it seems we are regularly hearing, and in some cases actually seeing, police shooting, choking, or otherwise fatally injuring unarmed individuals, oftentimes minorities. The “Black Lives Matter” activists highlight a long history of racial abuse and injustice towards minorities by the police. As a result of their work, many cities are requiring police to wear body cameras, in addition to their dashboard cameras, to have a more accurate record of what transpires during these encounters.
Another result of this movement has been the “opposition,” or those who support the police officers. They argue that police officers put their lives on the line every day, and that many of the “victims,” were actually criminals which is why they encountered the police in the first place.
I’ll admit, I’m torn on these issues. I was raised to respect police officers. I have several friends and family members who
are police officers. I know they’re
faced with split-second, life-changing decisions every day. That being said, I also know that when I’ve
been pulled over with my Black friends, we’ve been treated differently than we
would be if I was alone in the car. In
many cases, I’ve witnessed our Constitutional rights being violated. So, my question to you this week is, “What
have been your experiences with the police?
Do you think the police often resort to violence when there are other,
less volatile ways to accomplish peace?”
Answers are due no later than Wednesdays, September 9th,
2015. I hope you all have a happy and
safe Labor Day weekend!
I haven't had many experience with the police except for a few speeding tickets.. I don't bother them they don't bother me. And yes they do resort to violence A LOT because I believe many officers just aren't trained properly and are reacting off pure instinct which seems to be fear.
ReplyDeleteI do think police sometimes violate ways to accomplish peace, but even though all while I was growing up I was taught, police are bad, don't trust them, they kill people for n reason. but honestly even though I still get told all those horrible things about police to this day from my parents, every time I had an in counter with an police officer they where really friendly and respectful even if I wasn't. Cause this week was birthday and long story short I throw a party and it was shut down by police officers and I was beyond pissed but they where so nice even though I cursed them out and everything so i'm kind in the middle with that.
ReplyDeleteI have not had any problems with police ever. It amazes me how people feel that its ok to disrespect them and get away but it also amazes me the other way around. Yes police is the authority and people should not take it lightly. I believe they shouldn't take their job so seriously unless they are put in a situation that calls for it. If they are nice to me I am nice to them!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any terrible experiences with police officers, actually in fact I've met some very kind and helpful police officers that I have had to meet during different situations. The things that happen in the media are things I personally choose not to address, because one things are getting entirely too controversial to me, I feel like racism is alive and well, in more than ONE incident, with more than ONE race. Second, I also wasn't there, that makes things harder for me to determine too, and all this may be stupid of me, but I choose to remain dormant during all of this drama. I don't feed into it. I don't repost it. I don't argue with people back and forth on social media about my views on it; I just remain dormant.
ReplyDeleteMacy Wilson
God says to respect authority. He gave them that power. So I have a respect for them. That being said, i have had unsavory experiences with them and it gets to me. I think the media has vested interest in force-feeding anti-police propaganda.
ReplyDeleteFirst Ex.
When there was a property-line dispute between Grandma and her neighbor.
The neighbor came into my Grandma's yard and yelled at her.
Upon calling the cops, they proceeded to come to Grandma's house and accuse her.
Second Ex.
Late night steak n shake run with the roommates. We get back and we're bored. So we decide to walk up to the school and back. We figured why not? So early in the walk we some cops pull up and ask us what were up to.
On our way back to housing, the cops accuse us of being part of some public disturbance at some hotel. and they card us and threaten my friend QUOTE "i could make your life a living hell."
Third Ex.
5 friends pile into my 200 Chevy impala, go to the children's museum, and then back toward fishers to Culver's. Upon leaving Culver's, a guy flies through this red light past me.
The squad car behind me lights up and think he's gonna move on. He proceeds to pull me over. He asked me to exit, frisked me, asked for drug paraphernalia, weapons; whole nine yards. Questioned all of us on whether or not we had our IDs.
Ages?Jobs? Stupid. Wish i had known my rights.
They definitely have a default setting of violence, regardless the situation.
What comes to mind whenever I hear about another police shooting is how rarely this seems to happen in other "first world" countries. In Iceland, recently the whole nation mourned one of the first police killings that had happened in years. I've seen articles about how these countries do deal with potentially violent people who are wielding weapons (I can't think of any where the suspects have guns, but bear with me) and are able to subdue them without any extreme physical harm to the suspects. I like to think I support the police and that for every bad cop there are plenty more of them who are good. But that simply makes me think back to the Christopher Dorner episode from a few years back, where in his manifesto he talks about one of his major reasons for going on his killing spree as being in part due to the racism integrated into the police force.
ReplyDeleteDo I respect officers who can put their lives on the line? Sure, I can respect selflessness and sacrifice. Do I think many police officers are bullies who shouldn't be in the positions they are in? Maybe.
It is my opinion that police should at all costs apprehend perpetrators, they have rights and deserve due process. If they shoot someone, they should NEVER shoot to kill. This isn't Mega City one, they aren't Judge, Jury, and Executioner (though I wonder if anyone ever told them that). I'm still confused why cops have been able to acquire tanks and military gear, that definitely doesn't seem sound to me. Which makes me think of another thing I heard, I think it was during a protest prior to the Black Lives Matter movement really got going, but a former soldier who had been in iraq was commenting on the way the police were treating the protesters, one of his comments being that even soldiers were required to give more respect to enemies in wartimes than these police were giving to these protesters. That stuck with me, I wish I had a record of that whole conversation.
Anyway, one last thing and it's a bit of a non-sequitur. On the highway near our house, the main highway we take into town there's a bit of construction so we're required to take a detour. On one of the roads we are required to use, I guess there have been some complaints (I'm assuming) of people speeding, which is valid. But there's been a sheriff's car stationed on this road sitting empty facing the road for the past month or so. Today I noticed, that they'd put a mannequin in the front sear, to make it seem like someone was sitting in it. It's both hilarious but also, seems like it's not something they're allowed to do?!
I have had a few encounters with the police during my teen years due
ReplyDeleteto minor consumption. My last encounter with them they basically had
the power and abused it because they can get away with it. I was at the
wrong place at the wrong time after Christmas shopping when they
busted into my friends apartment because the neighbors complained
about it being too loud. When the cops arrived they put all the black
kids in handcuffs and let all the Caucasian kids drive home drunk.
I have respect for the police because their job is to protect the civilian population. I understand that police officials work in rough environments which involves opening fire at criminals, but I feel like they take things too far sometimes because of the amount of power they are giving. Cops should SHOOT TO DISABLE not shoot to kill THIS IS MURRICA NOT A WAR ZONE. They treat unarmed minors as if they are terrorists, cops shouldn't take the lives of unarmed criminals no matter what the offense is. In the military We "shoot to kill" but there are rules and steps that apply to the process. I understand the fear of being in such situations but they should have good enough training to know how to act and not just kill anything that makes them feel threatened. #alllivesmatter !!!
My experience with the police hasn't been that great honestly. There are some who definitely abuse their authority and instantly resort to violence without reason. Especially when they think no one is watching. And honestly, it's really sad. Being a young black adult, I have to be careful how I approach certain situations with the police because of the color of my skin. It's crazy because it actually happens like that. I'm not saying all police officers single out black people or other people of color, but there are more than half of them that do.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I witnessed my dad being arrested awhile fixing on our car in my grandmothers housing complex. The officer I believe had reports of my dad, my dad has been locked many times before but being young I thought it was ridiculous. He threw my dad to the ground and I started running towards him and my dad is yelling go back. Personally I think some police are doing their best to protect but at the same time there are ones who take advantage of their power.
ReplyDeleteWhen a police officer is involved with me it usually is speeding. The first time I was pulled over I got a warning and the police officer was calm and friendly. The second time I got pulled over by another police officer he seemed younger than the first one and more aggressive and intimidating with his body language. I believe it just depends on the police officer themselves. They are doing their job and I understand they put their lives on the line every day, but to harm other minorities because they choose to is wrong.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with police officers. My grandfather was against being violent unless it came down to the part when someone was going to hurt him he would somewhat try to protect himself, he never resulted in grabbing his gun. Most of the men I grew up with hated using their guns. They hated carrying them, but they knew they had to have them. I do look at police officers now and how much the world has changed over the past 12 years. The world is getting so overwhelmed by anger, rage, and hatred that they take it out on people because that's what they are taught to do. Its upsetting. Each person is doing their job, some are more calm and understanding. Others scare the shit out of you. Depends on the officer you speak too.
ReplyDeleteI stay away from the police, so I wouldn't know how they are. I think police use violence just to show they have more power than we do. I feel like they can use a nonviolent way of handling the situation.
ReplyDeleteI try to stay clear away from the police just because of what I see going on in the news. I don't do anything that would cause them to come after me, but seeing everything that goes on in the news I wouldn't want them to because you never know how it will end. I know everyone thinks that us blacks are always pulling the race card, but until you walk a day in our shoes don't speak upon it. I will say this when you are stopped by the police....just shut your mouth and do as the officer says. It's really not that hard to follow the rules especially if you know you are in the wrong. It honestly makes me sick to my stomach that this is something that is going on in the world. It drives me crazy when blacks want to speak more upon whites killing the blacks than on black on black violence. When stuff like that happens no one is really responding to it like we would the other way around. I will end with some officers come to work with a chip on their shoulder and others don't. Yes, I believe their should be other ways of handling situations. Violence should not always be the answer to everything.
ReplyDeletePolice deal with all sorts of crazy issues and crimes. One would think it would make sense then that they have to be so brutal at times to keep order. Then again, I've heard about how different the police can be in other first world countries. Did you know Germany's entire police force fired only 85 bullets in 2011? 49 of those bullets were warning shots, not even aimed at people. (nbcnews.com) Every country is different, but it's hard to ignore such a stark contrast. Do they have a more disciplined police force, or maybe the people are more subdued? Americans are intense people. I personally see that as a benefit, but I think it has ingrained itself into the police force in a negative way.
ReplyDeleteIn my small home town, the police are very harsh with young people. I was once sat in my car for an hour because the police didn't believe me that I was going to work at 2 in the morning at the licence branch. (I was a night-time custodian.) I was also in the car once with a friend who was screamed at by an officer because my friend, who was in a flustered state, addressed the officer by saying, "Yeah?" instead of saying "Is there a problem officer?"
I personally prefer being treated as an equal when I have't done anything wrong.
Source:
German police fired just 85 bullets total in 2011. (n.d.). Retrieved September 10, 2015, from http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/05/11/11662345-german-police-fired-just-85-bullets-total-in-2011
I definitely think that less violent options could be used in certain situations. There is that small percentage of bad cops that tend to give most cops a bad name. All the negative stories seem to get all the spotlight where the good stories don't get told. There are quite a few bad stories out there and in a lot of instances the police shouldn't use the violence that we have seen, they could you use more peaceful ways to handle many of the situations that seem to be handled badly.
ReplyDeleteI honestly haven't had a lot of experience with police apart from being pulled over for a few traffic violations. In those cases the interaction was businesslike and then they sent me away- only once with a ticket.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm torn on the issue of police conduct and their use of violence in subduing suspects. I'll admit I'm not terribly informed on how many police officers discharge their weapons or use force when in the line of duty, but I'd like to think there are still a majority of officers on police forces across the country that don't immediately turn to violence.
I haven’t had any negative experience with a police officer, but I know quite a few friends that have. Lately there have been a lot of issues surrounding police violence, some of which likely could be avoided. However, while some police officers definitely have shown examples of abusing their power, I don’t think it’s fair to stereotype all police and say that they all act the same. I believe that most of the time police are just trying to do their job and if you show respect than you will receive that same respect in return.
ReplyDeleteI've been pulled over three times but nothing major and all experience have been ok with nothing extreme happening altho the first time i received my first ticket for speeding. that officer was very nice and understanding considering I didn't have my license on my person, I was speeding in a school zone, and I had a tail light out. He was nice and warned me about my lights and looked me up in the system to make sure I was licensed but sill gave me a ticked for speeding. All things considered things could have been a lot worse and he could have written me up for all three things and been an asshole. I do think in some instances police brutality have been an issue and is due to race, sexual preference or even gender indignity but this just come with ignorance and those people should just be weeded out in general. Also I would just like to add I find it funny when all these black black lives matter activist come out of the woodwork for some black man that was shot and killed by a police officer who was doing something wrong and then wouldn't cooperate with them and ultimately put himself in that position, but are nowhere to be found when a black transgender woman is killed, rapped or beaten just for living their life and being who they are.
ReplyDeleteOther than a few speeding tickets, cops have not been a problem for me. I believe most cops are doing their job and just want to serve and protect, but with the videos that have come out with police brutality are enough to warrant action and ask questions about profiling and racism in America.
ReplyDeleteI have not has any problems with the police when I got pulled over for a ticket. I put my hands on the wheel and gave him my information. So I don't think at all that police are bad at all. When you want to argue with them and create problems that is on you not them. You should just keep your mouth quite until they ask you questions. They do not want to get violent but when you start to ask stupid and do stupid things then that is your fault. It has nothing to do with race are color it has to do with the way you behave. So just when you get pulled over do not argue with the officer just put you hands on the wheel, give them you information, and go on with your day.
ReplyDeleteI have never had any trouble with the police. Thank God. I alsodo belive that police put their lives on the line to keep people safe. However, some take that power to far. They profile people because of their skin color or religion. I have been told that there is more to the story that the news isn't reporting. The point is when you are African American you always have someone staring at you. Waiting for you to do something wrong so they can put you behind bars. I try not to be nervous or scared around cops, but I know because I am black they will always have a eye on me and will most likely treat me unfairly because of the color of my skin. Just like the pregnant black women that got handcuffed and layed on her stomach because the she didn;t give them her id. In the state she in she doesn't have to give them anything. But the never asked the white woman for her id. Just the black women. Seeing these videos am I scared to be pulled over by the police with no one else with me. I really have to learn my rights and use them so that I don't become another number.
ReplyDeleteI recently had a little trouble with police, and I feel like they deal with so much all the time, that they have a short fuse and temper. I do not think it is right or justifies it, but I understand why they act how they do sometimes. I feel like other times, they are just power hungry and do what they want to prove to people that they can do it. Other times, I feel like they can be understanding and nice. I honestly just feel like it depends on the type of person they are. Some police give them a great name while others abuse their power and make them all look bad, which happens everywhere not just in the police department.
ReplyDeleteBri McGee
I have very little to no respect for the cops I have encountered in my past. In the small town where I grew up all of the cops I came in contact with had an unbelievable sense of superiority and were always looking for trouble. And although that was the case with them I know not all cops are only in it for the badge, the fast cars, and the guns so I do have respect for the police who patrol large cities and are in the profession for the right reasons. As for the violence, I always found in my previous encounters that even if you do hold no respect for the cop giving you trouble if you fake the respect you have for them the situation will go over rather smoothly but that is only drawn from my experiences and I have also never had to deal with a racist cop before.
ReplyDelete