Cross-cultural stereotypes in police communication and civilian interactions

Introduction

Police officers interact with the public on a daily basis, requiring cross-cultural competency and communications skills. Whereas lack of awareness of cross-cultural differences may lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, cultural competency can foster harmonious relationships among multiple community stakeholders. Misunderstandings can also lead to inefficiencies in inter-agency communication, potentially complicating cases by unnecessarily diverting a case to child protective services or the courts. For police officers, cross-cultural competencies impact interactions with citizens, victims, suspects, and coworkers. Cross-cultural competency directly affects the quality of service delivery. Both police officers and civilian employees in multiple sectors need to enhance cross-cultural knowledge as part of their organization’s mission, vision, and ethical practice.

Scenario One

Scenario One shows how even a little police officer knowledge about traditional medicine in Asian communities could have prevented the problems in this case. Officers jumped to conclusions about the marks on the children’s bodies. While it is understandable that child safety is to be taken seriously and is a top priority, it only would have taken a visit to the family’s home to inquire about the marks and to learn about coining/cupping. As Chan (2016) points out, misconceptions about traditional medicine do lead to cases like these in which child abuse is mistakenly suspected. The school, the police department, and child protective services all had a role to play in improving their cross-cultural understanding of what is likely a relatively large immigrant community. Because of cases like these, the Hmong in particular have become one of the prime examples of how police and the civilian sectors can work together to improve cross-cultural competencies (Beghtol, 1988). The entire system became unnecessarily involved in the family’s life, a waste of resources and an infringement on the privacy rights of the family.
Before taking children from their homes, the officers could have consulted with a Hmong community liaison, or with community leaders. Even educators at the child’s school have a responsibility to become more culturally aware. In the future, a translator might help to prevent the case being diverted through criminal justice and child protective services. If a translator is unavailable, the officer needs to consult with the medical practitioner prior to forcibly removing the child from the home and referring the case to child protective services. This case also shows that police leaders need to continually improve their cross-cultural communications skills, improving knowledge about all members of their community.

Scenario Two

This case illustrates the importance of maintaining open communications with victims and advocating on behalf of victims’ rights. It also demonstrates the importance of creating meaningful pathways for immigrant integration and community outreach, and for reducing anti-immigrant sentiments that led to conflicts. Orrick (2017) notes that Chai Vang was harassed and threatened prior to his outburst that led to shooting six white deer hunters. The white deer hunters also made racist comments, and Chai Vang was also terrified of being turned into the police, which exacerbated his fear in the situation (Orrick, 2017). While these issues in no way condone the murder of six people, the case does show how officers can do better to create a community policing environment based on outreach, relationship building, and cross-cultural understanding. Racist views may persist, though, and officers do need to also reach out to victims. Had officers reached out to the victims more comprehensively, it is even possible that the residual anger from the initial incident would not have been an adequate excuse for the most recent murder of the
Hmong hunter.

Levels of Cross-Cultural Contact

Citizens

Police officers and civilian employees in healthcare, social work, and education may have biases and stereotypes about minority groups like the Hmong. Systematic training and education is necessary to dispel these beliefs. Leaders in their respective organizations need to be proactive by developing cultural awareness programming as prerequisites for professional development.

Victims

Police officers may develop biases and stereotypes about victims, which has an adverse impact on how they approach the case. Victim characteristics might bias the police in ways that impede the investigation or even prevent the police from effectively gathering evidence. Improved cross-cultural awareness and communication can help police secure justice for victims of crimes.

Suspects

When interacting with suspects, police need cross-cultural awareness and education. Misunderstandings and stereotypes can lead to faulty conclusions and miscarriages of justice.

Coworkers

Police and civilian sector workers need to build cross-cultural coalitions and leadership teams. Cross-cultural awareness and education can enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness, helping to resolve conflicts quicker, too.

Conclusions

The two Hmong scenarios demonstrate the fundamental importance of fostering cross-cultural awareness at all levels of law enforcement and public service. Cross-cultural awareness requires ongoing training and education. At all points of contact with members of the community, police officers and civilian employees can develop communications skills that include active listening and empathy.





References
Beghtol, M.J. (1988). Hmong refugees and the US health system. Cultural Survival. https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/hmong-refugees-and-us-health-system
Chan, K. (2016). America’s reaction to cupping reveals cultural health bias. The Establishment. https://theestablishment.co/americas-reaction-to-cupping-reveals-cultural-health-bias-c6d4ad277255
Orrick, D. (2017). “Tree Stand Murders” recounts St. Paul man’s Wisconsin deer hunter killings. Twin Cities Pioneer Press. https://www.twincities.com/2015/03/21/tree-stand-murders-recounts-st-paul-mans-wisconsin-deer-hunter-killings/