When I lived in San Diego, I served as a member of the community on the San Diego Citizens Review Board on Police Practices. (It’s now called the Community Review Board on Police Practices due to a change in their charter). The culture in law enforcement rests squarely in a white frame of reference – a warrior ethos which values hierarchical authority which “others” alternate or opposing perspectives. I believe we need to unhinge the culture of policing from its toxic, hegemonic cultural biases and shift to more inclusive models of partnerships like community-oriented policing. Moreover, I believe the only way to shift the culture of policing is more than hiring more black and brown people – which is also important – but prioritizing more robust psychological profiles which value critical thinking and people-oriented skills rather than military oriented skills. Finally, I assert a need for increased civilian oversight within senior management of police departments with intent to balance the incredibly siloed perspectives that exist within senior management.
The Paradox of Black Patriotism in America
By Bryon L. Garner, PhD An American soldier at attention. Composite with the American flag. November 5th, 2024, was a...