St. Louis American
"Open letter to Ferguson police chief"
by LaWanda Wallace
http://www.stlamerican.com/news/columnists/guest_columnists/article_6206a996-3933-11e4-93ec-6fcdf941e22d.html
I chose this article because it touched me and made me step out of myself and think about things from her perspective. I think this article does a good job talking about what is going on in Ferguson: the problems and the changes people want made, and explaining why these things need to be done. I think it is awesome that she was able to shake a police officer’s hand even though they are seeing eye to eye about things. I think it is great on both parts; the police and the protesters have not been getting along throughout this and I think the fact that they are able to put their differences aside and see each other for who they are is great.
I think the solutions offered in this article might actually help mend the relationships between citizens and police. I also like at the end how Ms. Wallace tells the police chief to talk to the community as if Michael Brown were his son. This is the best advice I have heard. I believe this is the way to show the community the police care about the death of a citizen and how they are taking things seriously. I personally believe no change/healing can occur until this happens.
I like this article too, Ashley. Thanks for choosing it. Ms. Wallace writes very well. She says a lot of things that have already been said but with a personal twist. Besides concrete things that can be done like the personal cameras and initiating a Civilian Review Board, she asks that the police chief take the perspective as if Mike Brown was his own son. This idea could be part of the sensitivity and diversity training that is so needed, or needed to be updated. I would think that the police academy would already have training but it seems obvious that it's not working or making enough of a difference.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think the police force should have some extra training in relating to people. I think sometimes it seems like the police and civilian relationship is one of "us" vs. "them" and the only way to prevent that is by training the police to treat everyone as a person rather than a criminal.
ReplyDeleteI think in this busy political world it is so easy to forget that the small things matter. It is important for people of authority to show humility and understanding. I think those kind of acts i.e. shaking hands, apologizing, listening go such a long way. I believe these types of acts will be not only be the most effective way but the only way to rebuild the trust between the police and the residents in Ferguson.
ReplyDeleteI agree that law enforcement should have more diversity training. I work at the Children's Advocacy Center and we work closely with detectives and officers throughout all of St. Louis-they schedule interviews at our Center for allegedly abused children. While most of these individuals are trained wonderfully in dealing with people of all diverse backgrounds, there are a few officers that have come through the door with absolutely no sensitivity to the situation. I think if this is the case with child abuse, who knows what it is like for everyday citizens in Missouri, or anywhere else for that matter.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I like most about this article is the handshake. This is such a human act, and it shows respect and understanding.
Ashley, I agree that the advice given by Ms. Wallace was great advice and could help rebuild the communities trust and respect for their Ferguson law enforcement. The statement that she made about treating Micheal Brown as if he were one of their own (human and white) was very powerful, it was one main point that stood out to me. Because this is the matter at hand, not treating black people as if they are human has been a daily battle. I am very interested to hear the answer to her question that followed this statement, "What would you say to us then?" Would this even be a pressing issue if Michael Brown had white skin?
ReplyDeleteI believe that diversity and sensitivity training would be very beneficial to all police officers and any profession were one works with the community. I honestly believe that the diversity course taken by many social workers is a necessity to all people. It allows all walks of life to look at life and situations from a different angle. If you were to ask me police officers should abide by some of the same core values embraced by social workers through their code of ethics; mainly the dignity and worth of the person.
I have to say that I agree with the above comments as well as the great advice that Ms. Wallace gave. Like Kate I have worked with different agency and Law enforcement for several years. While I have come across very sensitive officers to tragic situations there are just as many that are not sensitive. I inquired about how much on going training LE receives after graduating from the police academy and it was only a few hours required yearly. I'm not sure if other departments have "extra training" that they require but I thought this number was way to low. Twylaa I agree that diversity training would be a great idea as I feel many of the white officers out on the streets are clueless about white privilege. Education is going to be the key in my opinion.
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