Smart Solutions: Police Violence

The struggle between civilians and the police force has been an ongoing battle throughout history. Everyday lives are lost on both sides of the war, and still the fighting rages on. Unfortunately, the battlefield has never been an even one, what is good for the goose is NOT good for the gander. The system has been compromised, damaged…diseased. “Justice” is an illusion…for the crime is different for each victim. Lives cannot be returned, and irreversible damages are ensued. The loss of life has encouraged movements to be organized, protests to be marched and chaotic situations to be presented.

Current “solutions” however, have fueled the tension fire between police forces and civilians across the country. People become reactive, fueled by pure emotions. Movements are pushed sideways instead of driving forward. Peaceful protests suddenly explode into a fury due to the evil intentions of miserable beings. Hatred is met with hatred and the clash of violence continues, leaving nothing to be changed.

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. In my opinion, the situation lacks direction and progressive movement. The focus has been too personal to be proactive. I believe the violence between the civil police and civilians is a mere symptom of an underlying disease. While the world is focused on the symptom the disease runs wild spreading itself across the nation.

The way I see it, the problem is neither ALL cops nor ALL civilians, but a twisted balance of deplorable individuals in fear driven situations. Although civilians are expected to obey state and federal laws, the responsibilities of “Protect and Serve” belong to the police. Officers of the law are meant to be neutral, impartial and fair. Humble servants performing as mediators, problem solvers and rescuers to their communities.

One possible solution is to organize meaningful and impactful petitions. Gather signatures and push forward with real change. For example, one could consider the requirements needed to join the police force. The current standard for the “ideal candidate” could be altered to change the structure within the force. One could push to have mandatory, in depth psychological and behavioral screenings not just upon entering the academy, but also throughout their careers on a regular basis. These screenings could protect both officers and civilians by identifying early warning signs of mental duress within officers while providing officers opportunities to “slow down” when needed.

Another consideration for change is the training officers are receiving. Police work is a dangerous career, that fact is undeniable. Although officers should always be alert and aware, the combination of hypervigilance, anxiety and fear has proven to be a deadly combination time and time again. Avoiding the focus of fear while practicing safety can lower anxieties and keep interactions between civilians and officers amicable. A training program based on defusing situations and utilizing non-lethal force when necessary could prove most beneficial to a safer co-existence. Strides to teach an effective safety protocol in high risk situations can be made to ensure the goal of “everyone goes home”.

Additionally, a change to the current protocol of “excessive” or “lethal force could be detrimental. All cases of lethal force could be automatically, thoroughly and impartially investigated. A measure like this could also protect both officers and civilians. Monitoring policies could be amended to ensure proper documentation of situations such as traffic stops, domestic disturbances, etc.

The areas which could be improved are overwhelming, however, by choosing a starting point and having a clear-cut direction and end goal, changes can be made. So, what is the solution? Like all problems there is sure to be more than one way to solve it. I encourage the masses to think outside the box...think BIGGER, go FURTHER.

“If the challenge exists so must the solution.” -Rona Mlnarik