AFRICAN AMERICAN POLICE OFFICER
The
question that is always asked of me is how does someone of African ancestry
survive in a racist environment such as policing.
The same people that ask it can answer the question.
Surviving law enforcement racism is no different than surviving
America’s racism.
African-Americans/Caribbean endures the same level of racism that people
of color experience in the communities they call home.
It is important that we maintain our principle beliefs no matter what
occupation we embrace.
We must always remain true to what is right.
If one places this at the center of their lives then it is not difficult.
Only when a person attempts to vacillate between doing what is right and what is
popular does he or she find it difficult to remain principle.
Although
all professionals face the same levels of racism each of our professions have
its unique problems that are catered to the occupation.
Law enforcement’s racism occupational hazards can be summed up in the
many areas. One
area that effects us all is the double standards in which laws are applied.
Officers of color become aware of this at the start of their career.
Laws are applied in one community differently than how they are applied
in other communities.
A good example of this is how we deal with quality of life violations in
communities of color in comparison to how they are handled in other communities.
Police agencies across the country have started to use these normally
summonsable offenses as tools of engagement with citizens of color.
This is causing large numbers of arrests among these communities.
The same offenses are tolerated in other communities.
These offenses can vary from an open container of alcohol to not having a
bell on ones bicycle.
Both of these violations can cause a person without identification to be
arrested and put through the judicial system.
When
African American officers voice their concerns for the dual standards, they are
affected by the second problem in law enforcement.
The second problem is the dual standard within the police department.
This is due to the fact that the law enforcement community across America
views people of color not as citizens but as criminals who have not been caught
yet. Included
in this group are officers of color.
The fact that we wear a uniform during the day does not change law
enforcement’s views of us.
The uniform comes off, but our skin pigmentation does not change.
Many officers of color find themselves receiving harsh penalties for
minor offenses as well as losing their employment.
It is a never-ending battle to seek justice as a civilian and as a member
of the law enforcement community.
The
problem does not stop at the internal disciplinary procedures.
It also goes into the use of force.
Officers of color just like a slain brother Amadou Diallo find themselves
looking down the barrel of a police officer’s weapon. Members of the law
enforcement community assault a countless number of police officers of color.
A large number are also the victims of “friendly fire.”
This occurs when another officer shoots at an officer.
It
is the additives of all these problems that make law enforcement a dangerous
occupation for people of color in front of the badge and behind the badge.
6/19/00
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