Proactive measures

Its Friday babysitters and what’s on my mind? The Eric Garner Grand jury Verdict. People have taken to the streets to show protest and displeasure. Many community activists and some leaders I have been at the forefront lately talking about the Police needing training as well as understanding cultural differences. The Attorney General is looking at police action and excessive force across the nation. How many of you know about the Watts Bears? It’s a community outreach program where the police inserted themselves into the community not just coming in when there is a problem. They figured that if they could at least reach the kids they could change future perceptions about police. “It's a test of "relationship policing" as a way to make life safer and break through generations of hostility between LAPD officers and residents of the projects. The program started two years ago; since then, there's been just one shooting death in Watts' largest housing projects, compared with 43 homicides in the previous six years.” (Banks, 2013) This is one example where the police are thinking outside the box and being proactive instead of reactive. The story premiered on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumble” this month on HBO where they spoke to Officers currently coaching and participating, Parents and of course players. A great example of Police doing what they can to be and show a positive side versus what’s being portrait today.

"We had no real relationship before," Coach Sanchez said.

"People might have wanted us there, but they didn't trust us."

Now, single mothers especially are beginning to see the officers as a source of opportunity rather than a ticket to jail for their young sons.

"I thank God they came," said Melody Culpepper, mother of 7-year-son Malachi Russ.

"It changed the image that's been in my head about the police. You hear 'po-po, po-po coming' and you know what that means. "Before, most of the time we get a look, they're harassing people in the neighborhood. This is a different look, a different feel."

And if this effort changes how they see police, maybe it will also change how police see them.” (Banks, 2013)

 Wow, police actually in the neighborhoods. Walking, talking, and interacting with citizens. I feel this program is a step in the right direction. We in the Military do the same types of things when we would do “Presence Patrols.” But along with inserting Police in the communities in which they serve there still needs to be more minority police officers.

One of the fundamental tenants (and goals) of Affirmative Action is that businesses, organizations, etc. should be a reflection of their community. So that means if a town is 85% Asian, then the police force too should be 85% Asian. Or say 60% minority, then again the police force’s goal should be 60% of its officers should be minority. And to you that say this is stupid and that adding minorities isn’t gonna change anything. To you I saw…look at our military. Many whites had issues with blacks and other minorities when they entered service. Many of those whites had never met, associated or befriended a minority until the military. But over time (we aren’t perfect but we are better than society as a whole) many began that friending process. They hung out, they talked. They shared life experiences and in the end friendship and trust were earned as well as mutual respect gained.

Now again, we in the military have those that are racist, sexist, etc. but again, as a whole, I believe we are doing a better example of showing America society how to move forward, act and grow than American society is showing us. So I’m not saying adding minorities to the Police forces will stop all this but it’s a better place to start than sitting around talking about it. I’ve always said one of the greatest weapons we have against the “isms” is education. So for all of you reading this I will remind you of something I was taught and have since used it when I talk about these types of things. Look around you; look at your CIRCLE of FRIENDS. What does this circle look like? Is it exclusive or inclusive? Especially when looking at the racial makeup of said friends? As usual, it will almost always start and end with us…we, the citizens, people, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of this society.