Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Factors contributing to police brutality
Dear Editor,
I refer to my previous letter on police brutality KN, Oct, 1). One of the conditions that give rise to police brutality is frustration. When the police are not able to reduce the crime rate significantly over an extended period, protest from the business community, politicians, professionals and common folks become loud and constant. Interest groups turn to the letters column of newspapers for airing their dissatisfaction, anti-crime marches are organized and TV talk shows dedicate considerable time to addressing the issue. This forces the police to respond.
The police administration upbraids the junior ranks for not being vigilant and tough. The junior ranks hit the road filled with angry and anxious to get their hands on those they perceive as law breakers on whom they can take out their frustration. Another reason for police brutality is their sense of pride. Yes! You heard me right.
When a police officer attempts to make an arrest and the youth runs, forcing the police, with heavy boots and uncomfortable caps to pursue, watched by a laughing crowd (Guyanese laugh at the strangest things), the police feel humiliated and God save the soul of that youth if caught. Running after a suspect, is demeaning to the police. As a youth growing-up in a poor area I knew that one would suffer a worse faith at the hands of the police if you make him run – appear less in control, ‘less cool.’
The youth who does not run and make himself available for arrest, even if he protests rudely and with profanity laden language will be treated civilly, well at least better than the guy who runs and make the police run. There is so much more that could be said on this issue of cause, for example peer pressure is also a contributing factor. However, space will not allow for further discourse of this issue. We must move on and discuss the second duty of criminal justice students – Offering advice on what citizens can do to reduce the chances of being subject of police brutality.
The first advice for citizens is, when approached by the police be respectful, address the police as Officer or Sir such courtesy tend to disarm police ranks, forcing them to behave in a manner worthy of such respectful salutation. There is some truth in the saying that in your company, people behave in the manner that you make them feel is acceptable. Learn from the people of the USA, where it seems, every parent teach their children to be respectful when stopped by the police. They know that whether that child lives or die could be decided by how he/she addresses the police.
Secondly, when stopped by the police do not run, they will beat the hell out of you if caught. Remember what I said about the police hating to have to chase on foot. As a youth I grew-up in a poor area, I know the value of this advice. Finally, always keep your cell phone on record when talking to a police officer. You might not be able to film the encounter (usually this is done by a passer -by). But the next best thing is a record of the exchange.
The police when physically abusing a citizen are inclined to be loud and resort to the use of a liberal dose of expletives. It is as if they need to work themselves into a frenzy in order to do the dastardly deed. In the absence of some kind of recording it becomes the police word against yours. Judges will throw out such cases for lack of evidence.
Mr. Editor, while there are some good members of the police force these are sufficient bad ones to make it likely that at some point in time, as a citizen, you will encounter one. If you are poor the likeliness increases. Coming from poverty I care about how poor people are treated, and I am conscious that police wrath is almost always directed at the poor. And sometimes being innocent is no protection.
The Trinidadian calypsonian – Flashy Dan, in one of his calypsos reminds us: “Is de ghetto bandits who getting de licks. Cause de white-collar ones’ link-up with politics” So, meh poor brothers and sisters, wah –ever yuh race or ethnicity, from one ghetto man to another, I care bout you, and, dis letter is fo you.
Claudius Prince
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