Consequences Stewardship and Accountability Talks

¶ … Consequences

STEWARDSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Talks about police abuses and supervision often begin and center on the brutal attack of Rodney King, an African-American construction worker-parolee by Los Angeles policemen (Johnson, 2011). A videotape of the incident by a resident in the area led to the involved policemen's admission of hitting King more than 50 times, kicking him at least 7 times and threatened with a stun gun. These officers, however, were acquitted and the incident caused much outrage throughout the city. Recently, the U.S. Justice Department was closely investigating 15 police departments from Arizona to New Jersey on the issues of discrimination against minorities and using too much force (Johnson).

The Police Component

The police are the most visible sign and symbol of authority in government and society (O'Connor, 2008). They exist because they fulfill the role and perform the tasks, which citizens do not want to take. Citizens rely on them to hunt down criminals, prevent crime, maintain peace and order, interpret the law, protect citizens and, in general, keep things in order in the community. Someone said that a police officer has to be a "lawyer, scientist, medic, psychologist, athlete, and public servant" in one. The police are a conservative and fundamental institution because their function is directly linked to maintaining equilibrium in society. They are often expected to do the impossible and to do it efficiently despite limited resources. They are also expected to wield their power judiciously. How they do this depends on how free and open society is. Quite importantly, they are the guardians of human rights (O'Connor). The Conference on New York City's Criminal Courts adopted the appropriate theme, "Are We Achieving Justice?" In the wake of an increase in misdemeanor arrests at 190,000 in 2003 from 130,000 a decade earlier (Zeidman, 2005). It rightfully queried if the components of the courts -- the judges, court administrators and prosecutors -- have lived to their calling and mission to promote justice at least in activity and carefully monitoring the police. Police action is what opens opportunities for the courts and other institutions to influence justice. From the time the police bring a suspect to court, all the components of the criminal justice system must scrutinize the underlying police action and involvement in the arrest. Everyone involved becomes responsible and accountable (Zeidman).

Ethical Standards for the Police

Ethics means distinguishing right from wrong and it is the product of careful thought, not speedy action required of the police force. Everyone knows that police officers are creatures of rapid action rather than introspection (O'Donnell, 2011). Reflection or meditation is also considered softness or weakness and slowness in response to a need. Police officers treat others in the way they are treated by their superiors, who always urge for rapid and superior action. Efforts at creating respect for the rights of others in the hearts and minds of police officers must first be expended within the police department. This is where and with whom a candid discussion and a solicitation for the commitment to fair treatment to others must correctly take place (O'Donnell).

It must be understood that changing police attitudes will not be easy as police departments are run in a military fashion (O'Donnell, 2011). These demand obedience to authority, a surrender of individuality, and a constant willingness to use coercive might over others. It must also be understood that these departments have limited expectations of their officers' ethical conduct. In dealing with human rights matters, these officers are subjected to theories and a fierce recitation of the principles behind them. Very little emphasis is given to tolerance and respect for people. The only bright light that can make a difference is that police officers help people in need. Many police departments have re-interpreted this as extending services rather than forces. This new image of helpfulness includes a willingness in them to make personal sacrifices, including their conveniences and well-being. This quality can bridge the strengthening of ethical conduct and building ethical standards in their departments with the rigidity with which these departments are run. This indicates that raising the ethical and humanistic behavioral level of the police force is possible. Record shows that, in recent decades, police departments have gained public support in reducing corruption and of disruptive conduct to the universal rights of man by establishing and strengthening both internal and external accountability standards among their forces (O'Donnell).

. Much of harmony in society is associated with an efficient and honest police force (O'Donnell, 2011). Society still depends on the police for the perpetuation of harmony. When the police behave predictably, with restraint and according to the rule of law, ordinary people become inclined to believe in and trust in the government again. When the most disadvantaged and the poorest in society receive the same treatment as the opulent living in exclusive properties, civil society is treated to a new burst of vigor and this ennobles the police force. This may not always be the situation. This level of success may not be achieved all the time. But people are treated to a new morale each time the rule of law wins as it does at different times and circumstances. Without question, a human-dignity-centered policing presents as the only solution to the current state of disorder. It will not be a simplistic or band-aid solution to current host of problems. With its unique capability of maintaining justice, the police force becomes the guarantor of personal dignity and an equitable position before the law (O'Donnell). This will be the product of the successful oversight of the police by a civilian review board.

Civilian Review Boards and Commissions