by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: September 18, 2010

There is an element of corruption that seems to invade societies, no matter how prosperous, enlightened and advanced they are. The corruption is visible and obvious. It is boasted about. It is done on camera and viewed by millions. Be it in the boardroom, the halls of government, the peaceful seeming neighborhoods or on the streets, corruption is here.

We would love to think that our society, our people and our culture are above it all, but no segment of us is free and clear of those who succumb to the temptations of life that end up in abusing others, in criminal activity or in causing great tragedy.

The problems with law enforcement lie in several areas

There is the increasing and changing nature of the crimes that people commit. There is substance abuse, extreme mental disorder and other issues that lead to greater and more horrific acts of harm toward the self and others than most have ever heard of. There is the fact that no religion, counseling programs or social orders can eliminate or fix those who will do incredible acts of evil or wrong. Street cops leave their homes (and even live in their homes) with fear of something coming for which they have no defenses or preparedness.

There is increasing and problematic behavior and makeup of those who volunteer and make it to the ranks of law enforcement or who lose their minds and ethics after they have been involved for a time. There is distinct racism, gender related abuse and discrimination and a host of other problems of bias that come from the highest levels. There is alcoholism and drug abuse, dealing and other crime.

 It is as much the fact that the recent beating incident of an innocent young Hispanic man ended with orders for him to just get up and leave as it was that the beating was cause for immediate and serious punishment of the officers involved. It was chilling to see that the officers believed that they could just cover up their misconduct and get away with it. They seem to have enforced a one way contract with society that allowed them to do any wrong that they pleased and to walk away unscathed.

There is long standing and problematic leadership in communities where the bulk of law enforcement is White and male, while the community is anything but White or predominantly male. There can be no such thing as "community policing". There can be no such thing as safe communities when law enforcement refuses to respond to poor and low income

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>