NCJ Number
159246
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 64 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 14-17
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms discusses his views on how police departments can improve relations with minority community members.
Abstract
Police departments must work to change negative perceptions minorities often have about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Such change can be effected by individual police officers when they alter the way in which they interact with communities they serve. The author notes that many black citizens and other minority group members feel different standards apply, causing tension between the black community and the police. He also points out that black police officers are sometimes viewed as traitors by other blacks in the community. Distinctions between white and minority police officers and their reactions to minority community members are discussed. Ways of improving relationships between minorities and police officers are suggested that focus on community-oriented policing, human relations training, the establishment of new goals, and the involvement of minority communities in law enforcement. 11 endnotes