Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles of Civil Unrest in Today’s Police Departments
In a post Ferguson, MO world, many police departments find themselves having to overcome many new and more challenging obstacles. The world of policing has always been one of change. However, within the last decade, and more specifically within the last five years, departments have been forced to endure drastic change as public perception and satisfaction has deteriorated immensely. Among the obstacles facing these departments are racial differences, public misconception, and a lack of transparency during crucial events. Racial boundaries have been a part of America since its inception. However, with the advancement of social media and other such outlets, …show more content…
This misconception has resulted from too many years of departments not educating the public about themselves. Among the many difficult challenges faced by departments, this is one of the easier fixes. As with crossing racial boundaries, public functions are a great way to inform the public about their police department, the department’s functions, and to get to know the men and women behind the badge. Another fantastic tool is the utilization of police academy. Sharing the department with the public lets them to know that the department is theirs and allows departments to share their vision with them. “Having a vision gives a sense of purpose and direction to one’s life,” (Harrington, 2012, p. 29). This too can be applied to police …show more content…
Almost daily now there are media coverage of a crucial event in some area of the world. This coverage and the information disseminated is all too often obtained third hand and is most often drastically inaccurate. A solution to this obstacle is also a simply one. The use of technologies such as body cameras, in-car cameras, and other such recording devices are wonderful way to ensure events are recorded accurately and without bias. The release of such recordings after crucial events can absolutely assist a department with civil unrest due to the fact that the public does not feel the department is hiding anything from them. The quick release of accurate information directly from an appointed department personnel is another fantastic way to remain transparent. Transparency during crucial events can substantially assist in civil
In a post Ferguson, MO world, many police departments find themselves having to overcome many new and more challenging obstacles. The world of policing has always been one of change. However, within the last decade, and more specifically within the last five years, departments have been forced to endure drastic change as public perception and satisfaction has deteriorated immensely. Among the obstacles facing these departments are racial differences, public misconception, and a lack of transparency during crucial events. Racial boundaries have been a part of America since its inception. However, with the advancement of social media and other such outlets, …show more content…
This misconception has resulted from too many years of departments not educating the public about themselves. Among the many difficult challenges faced by departments, this is one of the easier fixes. As with crossing racial boundaries, public functions are a great way to inform the public about their police department, the department’s functions, and to get to know the men and women behind the badge. Another fantastic tool is the utilization of police academy. Sharing the department with the public lets them to know that the department is theirs and allows departments to share their vision with them. “Having a vision gives a sense of purpose and direction to one’s life,” (Harrington, 2012, p. 29). This too can be applied to police …show more content…
Almost daily now there are media coverage of a crucial event in some area of the world. This coverage and the information disseminated is all too often obtained third hand and is most often drastically inaccurate. A solution to this obstacle is also a simply one. The use of technologies such as body cameras, in-car cameras, and other such recording devices are wonderful way to ensure events are recorded accurately and without bias. The release of such recordings after crucial events can absolutely assist a department with civil unrest due to the fact that the public does not feel the department is hiding anything from them. The quick release of accurate information directly from an appointed department personnel is another fantastic way to remain transparent. Transparency during crucial events can substantially assist in civil